Former Asda high-flier Angela Spindler has landed the job as Debenhams' first managing director.

In August, The Grocer revealed Spindler had quit as global managing director of George after 10 years at Asda. At the time, the supermarket said she had left to "spend more time with her family". Before becoming head of George, Spindler was Asda's trading and marketing director. Other senior positions she held at Asda included deputy trading director and food trading director.

Spindler will take up her new post at Debenhams at the beginning of February, reporting to chief executive Rob Templeman.

She will be responsible for the future development of the Debenhams brand and for marketing, visual & creative and the company's online business.

"Angela's wealth of experience in retail and brand management at the helm of one of the largest fashion and clothing retailers, together with her broader knowledge of retailing, will considerably strengthen the board," said Templeman. "I am looking forward to working with her as we take the company to the next stage."

Meanwhile, Mark Daynes, who was promoted to chief operating officer at George in January, has left Asda to "pursue other opportunities". His move came as George MD Anthony Thompson, who joined in September, appointed former Marks & Spencer colleague Andrew Moore to the newly created position of director of supply chain and merchandising at George. He also promoted Graeme Douglas to category director of supply chain and distribution.

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