Darren Blackhurst has been confirmed as chief executive of Matalan, according to headhunters Flint Hyde.

Matalan told bondholders last month that it was in talks with the former Asda executive about the role. It followed the departure of Alistair McGeorge last September.

On its website headhunters Flint Hyde said: “Flint Hyde are pleased to announce the appointment of Darren Blackhurst as chief executive at Matalan.

“Darren, previously chief merchandising officer at Asda Walmart, has accepted the role of chief executive having come to the end of his notice period at Asda.

“Matalan is poised for exciting growth plans over the next few years and there is no doubt with Darren’s management style and global retail experience, that he will relish this opportunity and have enormous success.”

Blackhurst left Asda in May 2010. He had been touted as a successor to former Asda chief executive Andy Bond before the job was given to Andy Clarke.

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