LIVERPOOL retailer TJ Hughes has appointed a new chief executive in “a planned succession” as it looks to build on its recent growth.

Beatrice Lafon will replace Sue Tennant, who is credited with leading a massive turnaround at the group in her three years in charge.

In the year to January, 2007, TJ Hughes made just £657,000, which improved to £2.91m a year later. It rose again, to £4.81m, before gaining a further £2m to £6.8m in the last full financial year. Annual sales have reached £266.7m, from under £240m when she took over.

Ms Tennant rejoined the company as chief executive in July, 2007, having previously spent 11 years at TJ Hughes, rising to buying director before joining Ethel Austin in 2001. She will leave at the end of the year.

The company employs more than 4,000 people – equivalent to 2,000 full-time staff – across its 56 stores.

Ms Lafon was until recently chief executive of Dutch group Etam and her previous roles include commercial director of Woolworths.

Neil McCausland, chairman of TJ Hughes, said:  “We are pleased to have attracted someone of Beatrice’s calibre to spearhead the next phase of TJ Hughes’ strategic development. Beatrice’s experience and leadership skills make her exceptionally well positioned to exploit TJ Hughes’ position as a leading force within the UK’s quality discount retailing sector.

“We would like to express our appreciation to Sue Tennant who has revived the business over the past three years.

“She was brought in to the company in August, 2007 to turn the business around, which she has successfully completed.”

Ms Lafon added:  “I am thrilled to be joining TJ Hughes which is such an established player in the quality discount retail sector and a destination store for thousands of customers every week across the UK.

“TJ Hughes is 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 and I look forward to building on its success.”