Beatrice Lafon will take up the role at the discount department store, replacing Sue Tennant, who will be leaving at the end of the year.
Lafon was until recently chief executive of Etam Group in the Netherlands, where she dramatically increased the profitability of the group during her time in office. Prior to that, she held a variety of retail roles, including commercial director of Woolworths Group.

Commenting on her new role, Lafon said that TJ Hughes was "exceptionally well placed to thrive through our distinct offering of premium brands and top quality products at bargain prices. There are many exciting developments ahead for the business."

Sue Tennant has stepped down after three years in the role, during which time she has transformed the fortunes of the big-brands discount department store retailer, turning an annual profits figure of £657,000 into £6.8m in its last financial year.

TJ Hughes now trades from 52 department stores.