Electrical retailer Powerhouse has appointed a new managing director in a boardroom reshuffle.

The firm, which has its headquarters in Bicester, rose to the number three slot in the market last autumn when it acquired 98 ex-Scottish Power stores, taking its portfolio to 230.

Trading director Neil Allan, 46, above, is to become managing director. He has run the sales and marketing team at Powerhouse's Talisman Road head office in Bicester for three years.

Chief executive Derrick Broomfield, 46, announced the creation of a twin-board structure. He will be chairman and chief executive, while former managing director of operations Ted Stanley is deputy chairman and chief executive officer.

The pair co-led the management buy-out of the business from Hanson six years ago. They will focus on long-term strategic growth and further major acquisitions, following recent successes with Homebase concessions and the purchase of four former Tempo stores.

Mr Broomfield said: "We're very confident that this will give us the perfect platform to face the major challenges ahead, not least our turnover target of £430m."