Arnotts name Nason as new chief

Leading Irish department store group Arnotts has appointed Michael Nason as its new Chief Executive Officer from next April.

Nason is currently Managing Director of Musgrave SuperValu-Centra in the Republic of Ireland and is a member of the Musgrave Group main board.

Prior to this he was Marketing Director of Tesco Ireland after joining Musgrave's in 2000 as Sales Director of SuperValu.

He replaces retiring chief executive Seamus Duignan, who successfully guided the Arnotts group through its recent period of major expansion.

Arnotts chairman, Michael O'Connor said today : "We are very pleased to have successfully completed our succession plan by the appointment of an executive of Michael Nason's calibre.

"His extensive experience of the retail trade will be a valuable asset to Arnotts. Under his leadership we intend to continue building the Group as a market leader in Irish retailing," O'Connor added.