Sutherland, who quit Superdry in April following the dramatic return of its founder Julian Dunkerton, is among a number of names being considered by the department store chain to become its new chief executive.

Former Co-op and B&Q supremo Sutherland spent four years in charge at Superdry before Dunkerton and new chairman Peter Williams were voted onto the board by shareholders at an EGM.

Sutherland was among a raft of executives to resign following the coup, but he could now be in line for a swift return to retail.