Debenhams has appointed former House of Fraser deputy chief executive David Adams as a non-executive director.

Adams, who is currently chairman of Bargain Booze and Wine Rack owner Conviviality, will join Debenhams’ audit and remuneration committees.

He will become chairman of the audit committee in January, when Mark Rolfe steps down from the retailer’s board.

Adams joined Debenhams’ department store rival House of Fraser in 1997 and held the joint roles of chief financial officer and deputy chief executive when he departed the business in 2006.

Since leaving House of Fraser, Adams has held a number of non-executive roles, including chairmanships at Moss Bros and Jessops.

He currently holds non-executive positions at Halfords, Hornby, Fever Tree, Elegant Hotels and Thinksmart.

Debenhams chairman Sir Ian Cheshire said: “We are delighted to welcome David Adams to Debenhams. He has had a long and distinguished career in the retail and consumer goods industries.

“His knowledge of the consumer and leisure sectors as well as his financial credentials will be a great addition to the board.”