One of the biggest names in UK fashion retail, Kate Bostock, is to head up the Coast clothing chain as it contemplates international expansion, according to reports.

Ms Bostock left online fashion phenomenon ASOS last month after just seven months as executive director, product and trading. Before that, she was head of merchandising at M&S for eight years and was previously at Next and George for Asda.

She will join Coast as chief executive in September, replacing Margaret McDonald who moved to US lingerie brand Victoria's Secret.