Debenhams appoints new fashion and home director
Debenhams has appointed Steven Cook, the former chief merchant of Canada’s Holt Renfrew, as managing director of fashion and home.
Due to join the department store chain in early January, Cook will lead the business unit that oversees the company’s buying, design and merchandising divisions.
The appointment follows a global search as Debenhams puts plans into action for the structuring of its business around the three business units of beauty and beauty services, fashion and home, and food and events.
As part of the strategy Richard Cristofoli, formerly Debenhams’ marketing director, has become managing director of beauty, beauty services and marketing. Meanwhile, Debenhams’ retail director Ross Clemmow will broaden his role as managing director for retail, digital, food and events.
Prior to Holt Renfrew, a division of Selfridges Group, Cook was divisional vice president and general manager, apparel and accessories at Sears Canada. His retail, fashion and manufacturer experience also includes stints with Calvin Klein, Badgley Mischka as well as Polo Ralph Lauren, J. Crew and Nike.
Debenhams chief executive Sergio Bucher said: “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, will take on the role of managing director, international as part of the changes.
