Debenhams Regulatory News (DEB)

7 Jul 2009 09:39



7 July 2009

BOARD CHANGES

Debenhams plc, the leading department stores group, announces the following changes to its board of directors.

Martina King and Sophie Turner Laing will join the board as non-executive directors with effect from 1 August 2009.  Peter Long, who has been a non-executive director of Debenhams since 2006, will retire from the board with effect from the same date.

Martina King, 49, has enjoyed a successful career in marketing and online media. Her former appointments include Managing Director, Europe of Yahoo Limited and Sales Director and then Managing Director of Capital Radio. Ms. King is currently a non-executive director of Capita Group Plc, Independent Media Distribution Plc and Johnston Press Plc.

Sophie Turner Laing, 48, is Managing Director, Entertainment and News at British Sky Broadcasting Plc. She has spent her entire career in the media sector and her previous roles include Controller, Programme Acquisition at the BBC and Vice-President, Broadcasting at Flextech (now Virgin Media). Ms. Turner Laing was also Co-founder and Managing Director of HiT Entertainment. In addition, she is currently a trustee of BAFTA and a governor of the National Film & TV School.

Commenting on these changes, John Lovering, Chairman of Debenhams, said:

"I am delighted to welcome Martina King and Sophie Turner Laing to the board.  I have no doubt that they will each make an important contribution to the future development of Debenhams and we particularly look forward to their input on marketing and media issues.

"I would also like to thank Peter Long for his valuable counsel which has been of great service to the board over the past three years."

  Enquiries

Analysts/Shareholders

Debenhams plc

Lisa Williams, Investor Relations 020 7408 3304/07908 483841

Media

Financial Dynamics

Jonathon Brill 020 7269 7170

Billy Clegg 020 7269 7157

Caroline Stewart 020 7269 7227

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 10 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 17 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, Betty Jackson, Ben de Lisi, Julien Macdonald, Melissa Odabash, Jane Packer, Pearce Fionda, Janet Reger, John Rocha and Matthew Williamson.