Theo Fennell managing director Barbara Snoad is to leave at the end of this year after six years at the upmarket jeweller.

The retailer has appointed headhunters to recruit a chief executive to drive the brand in the UK and abroad.

Snoad’s departure was announced in the retailer’s half-year results, which revealed strong sales growth driven by product launches, expansion in the UK and abroad and an increased marketing offensive.

Sales for the six months to September 30 soared 20 per cent to more than£12 million.

Theo Fennell has expanded into Kazakhstan and Bahrain and has opened a boutique in Selfridges'£10 million Room of Wonder.

Theo Fennell chairman Richard Northcott said: "I am delighted with the performance of the business for the first half of the year. I would like to thank Barbara for her immense contribution over the past six years, leaving the company in a strong position. We are well placed to move forward and I anticipate announcing the appointment of a chief executive shortly."