Debenhams Regulatory News (DEB)

22 Oct 2009 07:01



22 October 2009

DEBENHAMS plc

RETIREMENT OF CHAIRMAN

Debenhams plc announces that John Lovering, Chairman, has informed the Company that he intends to retire from the board on 31 March 2010. A process to appoint Mr Lovering's successor is underway and a further announcement will be made in due course.

John Lovering said:

"I am proud of what Debenhams has achieved over the last six years whilst I have served as chairman. We have set direction for a sound future. Debenhams is a well managed, properly financed company with a clear and successful strategy and a number of exciting development opportunities. I hope my successor enjoys the role as much as I have."

Rob Templeman, chief executive of Debenhams, said:

"The Board would like to thank John 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. We wish him all the best in the future and he leaves Debenhams and its shareholders looking to the future with confidence. We have a wealth of talent on our board which has been strengthened with new non-executive appointments in recent months. John will be with us until his retirement in March 2010 and this will give us ample time to appoint his successor."

- Ends -

Enquiries:

Analysts and shareholders

Lisa Williams, Debenhams plc 020 7408 3304/07908 483841

Media

Jonathon Brill, Financial Dynamics 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 12 Desire by Debenhams stores, which is a small store concept featuring a mix of womenswear, accessories, lingerie, cosmetics and childrenswear. Debenhams has 52 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, Jeff Banks, 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.