Julie Walbaum will this summer succeed Gilles Petit as CEO at Maisons du Monde, the fast-expanding furniture and home décor retailer building a presence in the UK and other markets worldwide.

A McKinsey management consultant for 11 years, Ms Walbaum has been with Maisons du Monde since 2014, having joined as executive director, Digital, Customer Marketing and Customer Care.

Between working for McKinsey and joining Maisons du Monde, she co-founded Westwing France, part of the German headquartered ecommerce home and living business.

She takes the new role with effect from July 1. Mr Petit will remain a special advisor to the CEO and member of the board to ensure a smooth management transition.

Sir Ian Cheshire, chairman, said: "Having led Maisons du Monde's ramp-up in digital and shown strong leadership abilities, Julie Walbaum was a natural choice as Gilles Petit’s successor to continue the company's profitable growth trajectory.

"On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Gilles Petit for having taken this initiative to ensure a smooth management transition and prepare Maison du Monde for the future. The board thanks Gilles Petit for his outstanding leadership and I know we can rely on him to remain closely involved as special advisor to Julie Walbaum."

Maisons du Monde, whose shares are traded on Parisian stock exchange Euronext, announced the succession plan as it revealed its entry into the U.S market last week, with a deal to buy ten-store retailer Modani.

It has already built a pan-European retail presence including last month opening its first physical stores in the UK, concessions inside Debenhams. It had earlier launched here online.

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