Debenhams Group names new chair and adds two non-executive directors
Debenhams Group has announced a series of board changes, including the appointment of a new chairman and the addition of two new non-executive directors, as it looks to align the composition of the board with the next phase of its strategy.
Iain McDonald has been reappointed to the board as non-executive chair, after previously serving on the board between June 2017 and February 2026. He will succeed Tim Morris as chair, who has stepped down after serving on the board since May 2021.
The group has also announced the appointment of Michael Stewart and Stephen Rothwell as independent non-executive directors with immediate effect.
Subscribe to TRBRothwell is the founder of Eagle Eye Solutions Group, the AIM-quoted digital marketing technology business, where he served as a director from February 2014 until April 2025. Debenhams said he will provide valuable support and expertise as the group continues to build a technology and AI-enabled platform to support its capital-light business model. He is currently a director of Eagle Eye Technology Limited and Eagle Eye Holdings.
With 13 years of experience in investment management and public markets, Stewart has been a member of Chrysalis Investment Partners since March 2024, and was previously a member of 8C Capital. Debenhams said his experience will be invaluable as it moves to rebuilding equity value, with the substantive elements of the operational turnaround now complete.
Dan Finley, chief executive of Debenhams Group, said: “I would like to thank Tim for the significant and critical contribution that he has made to our turnaround. The business has been significantly strengthened during his tenure as chair. We wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.
“We are pleased to strengthen the board today with the appointments of Iain, Stephen and Michael. They bring significant experience in capital markets and advanced technology, which will benefit us as we continue to deliver our multi-year turnaround.”
