Tesco has appointed a senior director from H&M to head up its F&F clothing and home brands, following retail veteran Jan Marchant’s decision to retire.

Marchant is to be succeeded by Katja Ahola Klamkin, who is currently the H&M managing director, business unit lifestyle.

Marchant joined Tesco in 2007 as buying director, before being promoted to design director in 2014 and then creative and digital director in 2017.

In 2020, she was made F&F chief executive, later becoming managing director of clothing and home in 2022.

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Tesco chief commercial officer Ashwin Prasad told Drapers: “Jan has made an incredible contribution to the business. She has led the home and clothing team with product expertise and passion to offer Tesco customers the latest trends and styles that are stylish, affordable, accessible and wearable for everyday life.

“This is most notably seen in the design and launch of our exciting F&F Home range; our partnership with The Entertainer; and the purchase of the Paperchase brand.

Klamkin is to join Tesco following over 27 years at H&M with previous roles including head of global expansion and head of merchandising.

Prasad added: “Katja Ahola Klamkin has a strong all-round commercial and retail leadership profile across numerous leadership roles, disciplines and geographical locations within H&M Group. She brings with her a real wealth of experience and deep expertise across both home and clothing.”