Sports Direct has recruited a head of strategic investments who will review all the retailer’s stakes in other businesses.

Liam Rowley, a former equity research analyst, has been appointed to the role.

Sports Direct has stakes in a wide variety of retailers, ranging from entertainment specialist Game to department store group Debenhams and fashion retailer French Connection.

Typically investments have been made in retailers which Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley believes could in some way provide his business with complementary opportunities or new channels to market.

For instance, Sports Direct opened concessions in Debenhams stores – a venture that has since been scaled back.

Announcing Rowley’s appointment, Sports Direct said: “Liam is a former equity research analyst with experience in banking and investment funds.

“He brings corporate expertise to Sports Direct, and will be conducting a thorough review of all current strategic stakes.”

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