The Thresher Group is reviewing its three-year plan following the appointment of Yvonne Rankin as chief executive.

Rankin replaces Roger Whiteside who joined the company three years ago and had won praise for his work transforming Thresher's fortunes in tough market conditions.

Rankin left her previous role as CEO of AS Watson's central and southern European division, which owns Superdrug, Savers and Watsons, in July. She had been with the company for two years and was responsible for 600 European stores.

"Yvonne and the Thresher's board are conducting a review of the current three-year plan," said a company spokesman. "Following this they will be scheduling meetings with key suppliers to share mutual business plans.

"In the meantime, day-to-day business will continue as usual and, with Christmas approaching, we will be concentrating on delivering our category offers," he added.