Superdrug owner AS Watson has appointed Gill Smith as finance director for its UK health and beauty group.

Smith joined AS Watson’s UK subsidiary retailer The Perfume Shop as finance director in June 2006 and prior to that has held senior finance positions at Allied Domecq and Vivendi Universal.

Smith replaces Neil Page, who resigned after 17 years at the company in April – as did chief executive Euan Sutherland, who joined Kingfisher.

Smith will report to of AS Watson Health & Beauty UK chief executive UK Jeremy Seigal. She will be based in Croydon and take up her new role later this month.

Seigal said: “Gill has done an excellent job in establishing AS Watson financial processes and controls at The Perfume Shop as well as making a significant contribution to the commercial management of the business. We are looking forward to her joining the executive team of Superdrug and Savers.”

Smith will have responsibility for Superdrug and Savers and will continue to support The Perfume Shop team until her successor is appointed.