Homebase parent Home Retail Group has announced the appointment of Tesco's Echo Lu as managing director for Homebase, replacing Paul Loft.
Ms Lu joins Homebase from Tesco and will take up her new role on April 20. She has worked for Tesco for the past 10 years across different markets and a broad range of functions. Her most recent roles were as group business planning & insight director and property director for Tesco UK & Ireland, and she was also a member of the UK board. Prior to these roles, Ms Lu held a number of roles in Tesco's Asian business, including chief operating officer for China, operations director, East China, and commercial buying for grocery.

Home Retail Group chief executive John Walden said of Ms Lu's appointment: "Echo has significant, broad-based retail experience both in the UK and the rapidly evolving Asian region, and importantly has been an agent for positive change throughout her career. She is the ideal candidate to lead Homebase and its Productivity Plan, as we improve the store operational standards and customer service, develop stronger customer propositions and accelerate Homebase's digital capabilities, and realise its potential for greater growth."

Ms Lu commented: "I am delighted to join Home Retail Group and to lead the Homebase business. Homebase is a strong UK brand with an ambitious plan in the short-term to strengthen its foundations and exciting longer-term growth opportunities. I look forward to working with John, his executive team, the Homebase leadership team and the 18,000 Homebase colleagues to build a stronger business for the future."

In October last year it was announced that current md Paul Loft would stand down from the role after nearly 12 years. In a statement at the time Home Retail Group said that it had agreed, following the completion of the Homebase business, that it was "an appropriate time for Paul to step down from his role."

The Group added: "Paul has agreed to remain in position until such time as a suitable successor has been appointed and to assist in an orderly transition of the leadership of Homebase."