Wiggle chief executive Will Kernan is exiting the retailer and will be replaced by former Debenhams director Ross Clemmow, Retail Week can reveal.

Kernan joined the business two years ago from The White Company and plans to focus his attention on his non-executive roles and to have a sabbatical after nearly three decades in the industry. He will stay at the retailer as a non-executive director.

Kernan led the merger of Wiggle with Chain Reaction and the acquisition of German cycling etailer Bike24, as well as undertaking a “business model reset” that led to a dramatic rise in profits during its last half.

The retailer is now focused on strengthening its own-brand proposition and expanding into new product categories, including gym, outdoor and wellness sectors.

Clemmow, who has already been appointed as a managing director at Wiggle owner Bridgepoint, was previously director of ecommerce and multichannel at Argos. His departure is a blow for Debenhams, which had appointed him one of three business area leaders.