Asda has appointed a general manager for design and trends for its George homewares range.

Susie Gibson joined the retailer earlier this month from Marks & Spencer, where she was design coordinator for living areas.

Her appointment coincides with the launch of new ranges at George homewares.

Asda had never had some­­one so senior in the role before and that demonstrated how seriously it was taking the homewares market to allow it to compete against retailers such as Ikea and Next, said an Asda spokeswoman.

Gibson has been working on new designs and trends for George spring and summer ranges.