Liberty has promoted Lydia King as managing director of retail, with the role taking effect immediately.
As group buying and merchandising director, King was responsible for shaping the luxury department store’s buying strategy across its fashion, beauty and lifestyle divisions.
In her new role, she will continue to oversee Liberty’s buying and merchandising teams and will also take responsibility for the retailer’s flagship London store.
“Liberty is a truly special business, a place defined by creativity, discovery and an unwavering commitment to quality,” she said.
“Having worked closely with the teams over recent years, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited to step into this role at such an important moment for the brand.”
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King joined Liberty from Harrods, where she acted as fashion director, overseeing womenswear, accessories, shoes and childrenswear.
She also spent 13 years at Selfridges, including time as womenswear buying and merchandising director, helping to shape the department store’s global fashion offer.
She added: “My focus will be on continuing to evolve Liberty’s retail experience, championing exceptional product and ensuring our flagship store remains one of the most inspiring places to shop in the world.”
Liberty said the appointment reflects its focus on strengthening retail leadership while continuing to evolve its offer for a modern, international customer, without “remaining rooted in its heritage of creativity, curation and cultural relevance.”
“Lydia is an outstanding retail leader with deep product knowledge, sharp commercial instinct and a clear creative vision,” said Liberty CEO Adil Mehboob Khan.
“She has already had a significant impact on Liberty’s success, and her appointment as managing director, retail, is a natural next step. Lydia’s experience will be instrumental as we continue to build on our momentum and shape the future of Liberty.”
The appointment follows Liberty managing director Sarah Coonan stepping down from her role in November, following an extended 15-year spell with the firm.
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