29 Jan 2010 07:00
29 January 2010
APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN
Debenhams plc, the leading department store group, today announces that Nigel Northridge will be appointed Chairman on 1 April 2010 following the retirement of John Lovering.
Mr. Northridge (53) joined the board of Debenhams plc on 1 January 2010. He is currently chairman of Paddy Power plc, senior independent director of Aggreko plc and non-executive director of Thomas Cook Group plc and Inchcape plc. Mr. Northridge spent 32 years with Gallaher Group plc in sales and marketing roles, becoming group chief executive in 2000, a position in which he oversaw significant growth in shareholder value, leading to the sale of the company in 2007 for £9.4 billion.
Rob Templeman, Chief Executive of Debenhams, said:
"The Board would like to thank John Lovering for his contribution to the business and wise counsel over the years. He has been a real asset to the business in his role as Chairman.
"Nigel Northridge is an outstanding candidate to succeed John as Chairman of Debenhams and we are delighted that he has accepted the role. Nigel has a wealth of experience in a number of businesses and industries which will be a major resource for the Company. We look forward to his guidance as we anticipate the continued growth and development of Debenhams."
Nigel Northridge said:
"I feel honoured to accept this exciting role. Debenhams has performed well during the recession, growing profits and market share and restructuring its balance sheet. It has developed its own unique model in a very competitive marketplace. I look forward to playing my part in the continued success of this great British retailer."
-ENDS -
Enquiries
Debenhams plc
Lisa Williams, Investor Relations 020 7408 3304/07908 483841
Financial Dynamics
Jonathon Brill 020 7269 7170
Notes to editors
Debenhams is a leading department stores group with a strong presence in key product categories including Womenswear, Menswear, Childrenswear, Home and Health and Beauty. Debenhams is the second largest department store chain in the UK.
Debenhams has a total of 144 department stores in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and 13 Desire by Debenhams stores, which is a small store concept featuring a mix of womenswear, accessories, lingerie, cosmetics and childrenswear. Debenhams has 51 international franchise stores in 18 countries and an online store, www.debenhams.com, through which much of the Debenhams range is available.
Designers at Debenhams include Ted Baker, Jasper Conran, Erickson Beamon, Pip Hackett, Henry Holland, Betty Jackson, Ben de Lisi, Julien Macdonald, Melissa Odabash, Jane Packer, Pearce Fionda, Janet Reger, John Rocha and Matthew Williamson.