Robert Dyas is searching for a new director of finance after Matthew Emerson left two weeks ago to take up a new role at Orla Kiely.

Emerson, who worked at the hardware retailer for two years, has left to become finance and operations director at fashion brand Orla Kiely.

Emerson joined Robert Dyas in 2011 as head of commercial accounting.

Theo Paphitis, owner of Ryman Stationery and star of Dragon’s Den, bought Robert Dyas in July last year. Chief executive Graham Coles stepped down in November and commercial director Phil Green was promoted to chief operating officer to lead the business. He reports into group chief executive Kypros Kyprianou.