Department store Debenhams has appointed former Mothercare chief financial officer Matt Smith as CFO.

Smith, who has been Mothercare CFO since 2013, was finance director at Argos and has also worked for accounting firm KMPG.

He will join the retailer upon the satisfaction of his existing contractual obligations.

Michael Sharp, chief executive of Debenhams, said: “We look forward to Matt joining Debenhams and to the benefits that his extensive experience of international and multi-channel retailing will bring to our business.”

Nigel Northridge, chairman of Debenhams said: “I am delighted to welcome Matt to eh board and am confident that his wealth of retail and financial expertise will allow him to make a significant contribution to Debenhams.”

Smith was finance chief at struggling Mothercare, which posted a profit warning last Christmas and was subject to a bid from US firm Destination Maternity, which it rejected.

Debenhams trades from 243 stores across 28 countries and sells online in 67 countries.