Asda has appointed former Marks & Spencer retail director Anthony Thompson to head George clothing.

Thompson will take over as George MD from Angela Spindler, who quit the role last month to spend more time with her family.

He left M&S in April amid reports he was in talks with top headhunters having become frustrated at the lack of responsibilities and recognition given to him.

Thompson will pick up the reins at Asda on 17 September, based at the George headquarters in Leicestershire. As a member of Asda's executive board, he will report to CEO Andy Bond. He will be responsible for managing the George clothing business in the UK, while helping to further develop the brand internationally.

"Anthony will be a great asset to George and Asda and a valuable addition to my executive team," said Bond. "He is an experienced clothing expert, has a real passion for the brand, and proven leadership skills."

Thompson, who has spent the past four months travelling and spending "much needed" time with his family, said: "George is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage built on great style, great quality and great value. I feel proud to be leading George."

George clothing, launched in 1990, was named after original chief designer George Davies, who also founded Next. Now a £2bn global business, about one in every ten items of clothing worn in the UK is from the supermarket.

Thompson started his career at M&S in the 1980s before leaving to join the accountant Arthur Andersen. In 1997 he joined Blackwell's, the book retailer, before going to Gap in 2000 as MD of European operations. In 2003 Thompson returned to M&S as head of childrenswear to lead the first phase of the childrenswear recovery and was promoted to retail director in 2004.

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