Qatar's Harrods hires wife of former PM

Qatar-owned Harrods has announced that the wife of former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has been appointed to its board

Sarah Brown has returned to the world of business as a non-executive director at the luxury department store retailer.

Brown has been appointed to advise on developing marketing plans, including corporate social responsibility programmes, UK media reported.

Harrods owner Qatar Holding, the investment fund of the Gulf state, acquired the group for £1.5 billion in 2010.

Harrods said she would draw on her "extensive experience" across a range of businesses and not-for-profit organisations.

Brown was quoted as saying: "I look forward to my return to business in joining the Harrods Group board and welcome the opportunity to work on the marketing and corporate social responsibility plans for this world-renowned British brand."

Earlier in her career, Brown worked at brand consultancy Wolff Olins and co-founded the PR firm Hobsbawm Macaulay.

Last month, the UK's Financial Services Authority gave approval for Qatar Holding to buy a controlling stake in Harrods Bank, the private banking arm of the luxury department store.

The investment fund of the Gulf state’s royal family has appointed a new board for the lender and plans to expand its operations.