Debenhams : Appoints Steven Cook as New Fashion & Home Managing Director

Steven Cook, former Chief Merchant of Canada's luxury retailer, Holt Renfrew, is to join Debenhams as Managing Director of Fashion and Home. Taking up the position from early January 2018, Cook will lead the business unit that oversees the organisation's buying, design and merchandising divisions for these categories as it continues to implement the Debenhams Redesigned Strategy. Cook's appointment follows a global search and sees Debenhams commence plans to structure around three business units: Beauty and Beauty Services, Fashion and Home and Food and Events.

Richard Cristofoli, formerly Debenhams' Marketing Director becomes Managing Director of Beauty, Beauty Services and Marketing. Debenhams' Retail Director, Ross Clemmow will broaden his role as Managing Director for Retail, Digital, Food and Events.

Prior to the position at Holt Renfrew, a division of Selfridges Group, Steven was Divisional Vice President and General Manager, Apparel and Accessories for Sears Canada. His retail, fashion and manufacturer experience spans a number of leading brands including Calvin Klein, Badgley Mischka as well as Polo Ralph Lauren, J. Crew and Nike. In addition to a broad knowledge of department store retailing Cook brings a passion for product and customer experience to the role.

On joining the retailer Steven says, 'I am hugely excited to become part of the Debenhams team at this time of transformation. I look forward to leading the team in delivering both product development and a retailing experience which drives the Debenhams Redesigned strategy.'

CEO Sergio Bucher says, 'Steven's appointment comes following a comprehensive global search to find the right candidate to drive Debenhams' product offer forward. Steven brings great credentials to the role and by organising under three business units, our Managing Directors will have more visibility and accountability for delivering the customer experience. I look forward to welcoming Steven to the business and working with him to deliver Debenhams Redesigned.'

In May 2017 Debenhams appointed Sally Hyndman as HR Director and Angela Morrison as Technology and Supply Chain Director. International Director, David Smith who joined the organisation in February 2016 takes the title of Managing Director, International.

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Notes to Editors

About Debenhams

Debenhams is a leading international department store destination with a proud British heritage which trades out of 246 stores across 26 countries. Debenhams gives its customers around the world a unique, differentiated and exclusive mix of own brands, international brands and concessions.

The business serves over 19 million customers with over 5 million visits online per week and deliveries to 60 countries.

In the UK, Debenhams is the market leader in beauty, handbags, occasion wear and swimwear and has a top three market position in womenswear and menswear and top ten share in childrenswear.

Debenhams has been investing in British design for over 20 years through its exclusive Designers at Debenhams portfolio of brands. Current designers include Abigail Ahern, Savannah Miller, Ted Baker, Jeff Banks, Jasper Conran, FrostFrench, Patrick Grant, Henry Holland, Julien Macdonald, Jenny Packham, Preen, Aliza Reger, John Rocha, Ashley Thomas and Matthew Williamson.