Daniel Finley takes on Chief Executive role at Debenhams
Daniel Finley has been appointed Chief Executive Officer at Debenhams.
He joins from JD Sports Fashion, where he spent 10 years as Group Multi-Channel Director.
British department store retailer Debenhams collapsed into liquidation in 2020 after failing to secure a last minute rescue sale with JD Sports.
In January 2021, fast fashion pureplay boohoo group announced plans to acquire Debenhams, with the deal resulting in the closure of all the latter’s stores.
Finley said in a LinkedIn post: “After an incredible decade as Group Multi-Channel Director at JD Sports Fashion, I decided it was time to take up a new challenge.”
“I am excited to have started my new role as Chief Executive of Debenhams, following the acquisition last year by boohoo group.”
He concluded: “I am delighted to take charge of a great British heritage brand and looking forward to building on the progress that the team have made since its acquisition.”
In addition to JD Sports Fashion, Finley’s CV also includes stints at The Peacock Group (as Group Business Development Director) and Javelin Group (as Associate Director).
Mirakl
Last year, boohoo group launched a Debenhams online marketplace, powered by Mirakl technology.
It said that it was looking to create the UK’s largest marketplace across fashion, beauty, sport and homeware.
As of October, Debenhams had made around 200 new brands available through the new offering, and new suppliers and brands were joining weekly.
Jo Graham, Chief Information Officer, boohoo group, commented: “With the launch of this marketplace, we are evolving the Debenhams brand to stay ahead of the demands of the current digital first world of commerce.”
“Our partnership with Mirakl is critical to this evolution. With its unmatched technology, expertise, and seller ecosystem, Mirakl is supporting us to drive forward Debenhams’ digital transformation while ensuring we maintain the iconic brand that customers have come to love since its creation over 240 years ago.”
