Buying boss for Primark

Primark is on the hunt for its first buying and merchandising director, who could step up to become chief executive.

Odgers Ray & Berndston, the retailer's retained recruitment agency, is understood to have contacted key figures about the position. The recruit would oversee Primark's existing four trading directors.

Speculation suggests Odgers may be seeking a candidate who could eventually step up to the role of chief executive. Current boss Arthur Ryan is 72 and although he has pledged to stay for another four years (Drapers, October 27), parent ABF is keen to create a succession plan for when he eventually steps down.

A source from a rival retailer who had been contacted about the role said: "The management team at Primark is fairly old. It looks like it wants to bring in someone young, and it seems they would consider moving them up to chief executive after a year or so."

A spokesman for Primark would not comment on the speculation, but said: "Odgers' brief is to have a presence in the market and look out for talent."