Topman managing director David Shepherd has been promoted to the newly created role of chief operating officer for trading at Arcadia in a bid to grow the group’s e-commerce and international businesses.

Shepherd, who joined Arcadia almost 18 years ago as a Saturday boy in the Oxford Circus store, will continue to oversee the running of Topman, the group’s menswear fashion business, until further notice.

Siobhan Forey has also been promoted, to chief operating officer for HR and operations of Arcadia.

A spokeswoman for Arcadia said: “These are newly created roles allowing the group to increase its focus within the key areas of international, e-commerce and group operations.”

Shepherd added: “It’s a new role, driving the group’s strategies through and I’m very excited.”

He will continue to report into Arcadia boss Sir Philip Green and chief executive Ian Grabiner.