Robert Dyas chief executive Steve McVey has stepped down from the homewares and hardwares retailer after just five months and has been replaced by finance director Graham Coles.

McVey, who joined Robert Dyas as chief executive in July, is moving to India to become a retail advisor.

 McVey was previously managing director of wholesalers JTF Cash and Carry and Makro UK.

Matt Emerson, current head of commercial, becomes finance director.

Robert Dyas chairman Geoff Brady said: “Steve leaves the business at a point when our sales growth has accelerated - in the first eleven weeks of the critical Christmas quarter we are running some 5 per cent ahead of last year on a like-for-like basis and 3 per cent ahead for the first eight months of our financial year from 1st April.  

“As previously reported, the shareholders continue to review the possibility of an exit in spring 2012 on the back of these strong sales.”

Steve McVey said: “I have enjoyed my short period at Robert Dyas, but after spending a considerable period as a consultant in the Indian sub-continent, I now intend returning there to take up a position as a retail adviser in India”