As Primark COO, Jones will have global responsibility for the technology function, business transformation function and supply chain and logistics arm.

Jones spent the last seven years as group operations and transformation director at Whitbread prior to which he spent more than 25 years in Tesco as a store manager and held several senior roles across stores, technology, supply chain and procurement as well as managing all aspects of international operations.

Primark CEO Paul Marchant commented: “Nigel joins us with a wealth of experience of running international operations of significant scale across multiple markets including the UK, Europe, and Southeast Asia. With Primark now established in 17 markets we stand to gain significantly from Nigel’s global expertise across the key areas of transformation, technology, supply chain and logistics. I am thrilled to welcome Nigel to Primark and look forward to working with him.”

Jones added: “I’ve always been struck by the continual growth of Primark and the influence it holds as a leader in the industry. I’m looking forward to leading a dynamic team to help the business achieve its future growth ambitions.”

In June Primark announced its plan to invest €40m in its Portuguese expansion, including four new stores and creating more than 500 new retail jobs.

The company also announced plans in February to invest more than £100m in UK retail this year with new store openings lined up in England and Scotland.