H Samuel owner Signet’s UK chief executive Rob Anderson is to exit the jeweller and commercial director Sebastian Hobbs will take the reins.

Anderson, who has been at Signet for 13 years, leaves at the end of July.

Hobbs, who will report into group chief executive Mike Barnes, becomes managing director immediately.

Barnes said, “I am pleased to announce the promotion of Seb to managing director of our UK division. Seb has made important contributions to our UK division, and we believe his experience in UK retailing and strategy make him a perfect fit for this role.”

Hobbs joined Signet UK in March 2011. Beforehand he was group commercial director at Blacks Leisure, where he worked for five years.

He has also held management positions at WHSmith, Mothercare and BHS.

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