The former CEO of JD Sports has joined the board of Footasylum.
Barry Bown left the Bury-based business in 2014 after three decades with the company and 14 as the chief executive.
He will take up his new consulting role with the Rochdale-based sports retailer in June.
In a statement to the market the company said: "Barry Bown has committed to join the board as executive chairman on or around 1 June 2018.
"Barry has over 30 years' retail experience, most of which was gained at the JD Sports chain which he joined in 1984 and where he served as chief executive from 2000 until 2014.
"The new consulting role will enable Barry to work closely with the company ahead of his formal appointment to the Board.
"The Board believes that Barry's extensive experience of building a listed retail business and his excellent relationships with many major brands will enable him to make a valuable contribution to the company's leadership team."
The announcement follows a solid period of growth for the Footasylum, which saw half year revenues hit £89.8m at the start of the year.
