Nursery products firm Mamas & Papas has announced a new senior appointment – as it embarks on its next step.

Huddersfield-based Mamas & Papas has named Derek Lovelock as interim chief executive officer.

Mr Lovelock, 64, has extensive experience in the retail industry and last year was awarded Drapers’ Record Lifetime Achievement Award.

Until recently, he was chairman of Karen Millen and Aurora Fashions Ltd, owner of the Coast, Oasis and Warehouse brands. He joins Mamas & Papas with immediate effect.

Mamas & Papas recently announced new investment from private equity group BlueGem – the financiers behind London retailer Liberty.

BlueGem will work with Mr Lovelock and the founding Scacchetti family on a comprehensive strategic review of the business to position it for future growth.

Mr Lovelock said: “Mamas & Papas is a fantastic, iconic brand with a fundamentally strong position in the nursery market.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Scacchetti family and BlueGem to develop and implement a plan that will both consolidate Mamas & Papas’ enviable position in the UK market and accelerate expansion internationally.”

Chairman David Scacchetti said: “I’m delighted Derek is joining us.

“He brings a wealth of retail experience in general and also has an excellent knowledge and understanding of the nursery market.

“His expertise will be a huge asset to us as we draw up plans for the future that will help us to accelerate our global expansion ambitions.”

Mamas & Papas, which has its headquarters at Colnebridge, employs 1,300 people around the world. Launched in 1981 by husband and wife team David and Luisa Scacchetti, it has 64 stores in the UK.

Its products are sold in more than 3,000 locations in 59 countries following new store openings in key markets such as Russia, China and the Middle East.

In 2013, the company opened a new transactional website for the US market which has also enjoyed strong growth.