RE: DF1 Dec 2025 13:11
Last month marked my first year as Group CEO.
When we set out last year, the goal was clear: rebuild momentum, strengthen the foundations and get the Group firmly back on the front foot. A year on, the model is working, the direction is clear and the turnaround is taking hold.
We launched a new strategy, built a new team and rebranded as Debenhams Group, with values that reflect who we are and where we’re going. We put the Debenhams Marketplace model at the centre of how we grow. Since then, we've returned every brand to profit, made the business stronger financially, and doubled our partner ecosystem to more than twenty thousand brands.
Debenhams has led the way: double-digit growth, a marketplace scaling at pace and a renewed sense of what customers love about the brand. The return of Designers at Debenhams captured that perfectly.
Karen Millen continues to build momentum, with fresh leadership and sharper product direction strengthening its position as a premium global lifestyle brand.
Our Youth Brands are back in profit, with curated marketplaces now live, tighter edits and growing relevance. With a combined 46.5 million followers, their global reach remains a major strength.
Tech, innovation and AI have powered much of this progress, driving faster decisions, stronger experiences and the next phase of growth. We’ve pushed forward internationally too, launching brands on Amazon Fashion and expanding into Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom.
There is still much to do. Customer experience remains a core focus, and we’re investing in capability, technology and teams to make sure customers feel the benefit. Year two will be about raising the bar again.
Thank you to the team and to our partners for your energy and commitment. You’ve driven every step of this progress.
The model is working.
Momentum is real.
And the next chapter will be even bigger.
The comeback isn’t coming.
The comeback is on.