Wyevale, the garden centre group controlled by tycoon Sir Tom Hunter, has poached a Homebase executive for a senior role.

Deborah Poll has joined Wyevale in the new post of director of marketing and ecommerce. At Homebase, she had been responsible for planning, development and execution of brand and customer communications.

Wyevale executive chairman Jim Hodkinson wants to beef up Wyevale’s marketing and align the revamped ecommerce arm more closely with the stores business.

Poll has previously worked for Woolworths, Boots and Pretty Polly.

Hodkinson said: “She has a strong background in both retailing and FMCG and will play a major part in helping us to develop and expand the Wyevale brand and customer profile.”

Wyevale’s head of marketing, Jennifer Ingles, is leaving the retailer.