Angela Spindler, former managing director of Asda clothing business George, has been appointed to the newly created role of Debenhams managing director.

Reporting to chief executive Rob Templeman, Spindler will join Debenhams’ board on February 4 next year. She will be responsible for “the future development of the Debenhams brand and for marketing, visual and creative and online”.

Templeman said: “Her wealth of experience in retail and brand management at the helm of one of the largest fashion and clothing retailers, together with her broader knowledge of retailing, will considerably strengthen the board.”