NEW Look founder Tom Singh will be back at the helm of the company on a temporary basis after the chairman said he would be stepping down.

Current executive director Mr Singh, who founded New Look with a single store in Weymouth in 1971, will be the interim chairman after the announcement by non-executive chairman Alistair McGeorge of his intention to step down.

The Weymouth-based retail chain has said that Mr McGeorge will step down from the board and leave New Look at the end of May to pursue other opportunities.

Last April Mr Singh cut the ribbon at the retail giant’s new headquarters at the new Weymouth Gateway site in the town.

The three storey offices accommodate 350 workers.

The company recorded a good Christmas period and is now looking to expand into the Far East this year.

Speaking about Mr McGeorge’s departure, Anders Kristiansen, CEO of New Look said: “The board joins me in thanking Alistair for his commitment and invaluable contribution to the group.

“He has been an instrumental part of the transformation of the company over the past three years. I would like to take this opportunity to express my enormous gratitude to Alistair for his stewardship and counsel and I wish him all the best.”