Debenhams Regulatory News (DEB)

3 Nov 2008 11:00



3 November 2008

BOARD CHANGES

Debenhams appoints Michael Sharp as Deputy Chief Executive

Debenhams plc, the leading department stores group, announces that Michael Sharp, Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed to the position of Deputy Chief Executive and will assume additional responsibility for marketing and the online business of the Company.  Michael Sharp will continue to report to Rob Templeman, Chief Executive of Debenhams.

In addition, Angela Spindler, Managing Director, will leave the Company on 30 November 2008. The Board would like to thank Angela for her contribution, in particular to the Company's marketing and brand strategy.

Suzanne Harlow, who is currently Trading Director for Womenswear, Lingerie, Women's Accessories and Health and Beauty, will be appointed to the Executive Management Board as Group Trading Director and will be responsible for all of the buying and merchandising functions of the Company.

Rob Templeman, Chief Executive of Debenhams, said today:

"Michael's track record and knowledge of the Debenhams business, along with his long established pedigree in the fashion industry, leaves him well placed to take on the position as Deputy Chief Executive and the additional responsibilities it entails.  Suzanne has strong fashion credentials and has been responsible for much of the development of Womenswear over the past few years, particularly Designers at Debenhams, and she will now bring this expertise to the rest of the business. These appointments will simplify our internal structure and help drive our performance. 

"We would like to thank Angela for her work over the last year at Debenhams and wish her all the best in her future plans."

--Ends--

Enquiries

Lisa Williams, Debenhams plc 020 7408 3304

Jonathon Brill, Financial Dynamics 07836 622683

Notes to Editors

About Michael Sharp

Michael Sharp has been Chief Operating Officer of Debenhams since 2004. Prior to that he was Trading Director from 1997 to 2004. Michael's long experience in the fashion industry includes various roles within the Burton Group including Managing Director of Principles and Racing Green and Buying and Merchandising Director of Topshop and Top Man.

About Suzanne Harlow

Suzanne Harlow has been Debenhams Trading Director for Womenswear, Lingerie, Accessories and Health and Beauty since 2005. Prior to that she was Buying and Merchandising Director of various divisions between 1999 and 2005. Suzanne joined Debenhams in 1994 and held various roles at Head of Buying level between 1996 and 1999.

About Debenhams

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 has a total of 143 department stores in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and 10 Desire by Debenhams stores, which is a small store concept featuring a mix of womenswear, accessories, lingerie, cosmetics and childrenswear. Debenhams has 45 international franchise stores in 15 countries and an online store, www.debenhams.com, through which much of the Debenhams range is available.

Debenhams is the second largest department store chain in the UK.

Designers at Debenhams include Ted Baker, Jasper Conran, Erickson Beamon, Pip Hackett, Betty Jackson, Ben de Lisi, Julien Macdonald, Melissa Odabash, Jane Packer, Pearce Fionda, Janet Reger, John Rocha and Matthew Williamson.