Buying head departs for medical reasons
Department store chain Beales has announced the resignation of buying and merchandising director Hilary Santell, because of medical reasons.

Santell has left the retailer immediately, to focus on convalescence following recent surgery. No replacement has yet been appointed, but one is being sought.

Santell was appointed to the position last October, replacing Tim Rathbone, who left last August. She joined from Littlewoods home shopping catalogue LX Direct, where she was clothing and footwear trading director.

Beales announced last February it was in talks that could lead to an offer, prompting one analyst to put department store chain Hoopers in the frame. Beales announced the termination of talks on June 23.