The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has appointed Richard Baker as chairman to replace Sir Charlie Mayfield when he steps down in September after a two year term.
Mr Baker is currently on the board of the retail trade association and is also chairman of furniture retailer DFS and Costa parent company Whitbread.
His career also includes stints at retail beauty chain Boots and supermarket Asda.
BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson welcomed Mr Baker’s appointment: "His wealth and breadth of experience will be critical as we take the BRC forward through a period of profound political and economic change.
"At the same time, we owe a very large debt of gratitude to Charlie for his guidance, insight and support as our chair, during which time the BRC has undergone yet further transformation.
"We are especially grateful for Charlie's support for the retail industry's pay, progression and productivity work which has put the changing retail workplace landscape on the economic and political map”.
