James McArthur has been appointed as chief executive of Harrods Group.

McArthur most recently worked for luxury brand Gucci as its executive vice-president and director of strategy and acquisitions. He has also held positions at Yves Saint Laurent and Balenciaga where he oversaw the global businesses of Alexandra McQueen and Stella McCartney.

Michael Ward remains as managing director of the luxury department store retailer.

Harrods chairman Mohamed Fayed said: “The Harrods brand name is already very powerful worldwide but there is still scope to maximise its potential. We aim to consolidate and further advance its position as one of the world’s best brands and to enhance the customer experience.

James will bring a complementary set of strategic and leadership skills to our overall group of businesses that will help us to strengthen and propel the evolution of the organisation and its subsidiaries.”

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