Harrods has merged the directorships of its food and home divisions and hired an experienced grocery executive to lead the expanded business unit.

The upmarket London department store has appointed Chris Dee to the newly-created food and home director role.

He joins after a 22-year career with premium supermarket business Booths, where he had been CEO since February 2015. He left Booths a year ago to take on a consulting role in the private equity sector.

Chris Dee replaces Alex Dower, who had been food and restaurants director.

Harrods md Michael Ward said: "We are excited to work with Chris on the next stage of the food journey at Harrods, while also having such an experienced hand guiding our hugely important home divisions."

Chris Dee said: "Luxury is about lifestyle and bringing together these lifestyle divisions under one directorship is an important strategic development for the business, and one which I am looking forward to leading."

Harrods has also expanded the role of beauty director Annalise Fard. The one-time beauty and home director now has additional responsibility for fine watches, jewellery and fashion accessories.