Debenhams Group boss Daniel Finley talks passing of The Fragrance Shop CTO Paul Maxwell

Daniel Finley, Group CEO at Debenhams Group, has taken to social media to pay tribute to Paul Maxwell who passed away suddenly earlier this month. At the time of his death, he served as Chief Technical Officer at The Fragrance Shop, having joined the retailer in 2023 from JD Sports Fashion (where he held the role of Director of Multi-Channel Technology and Operations).

In a LinkedIn post, Finley said: "Paul was one of the most respected and genuine people i've ever met, both as a colleague and as a friend. I am so deeply saddened by his unexpected passing, and although I won’t be able to do him justice, I’d like to share a little bit more about our time together."

"Paul and I worked together for over a decade. We had been friends for even longer. I can talk endlessly about what a brilliant colleague Paul was (the best of the best for the record) and the outstanding contribution he made during his time at JD Sports (where he will stand in the pantheon of greats). What stands above all this, and what I want to talk about, is what an incredible guy he was."

He added: "Super smart yet incredibly humble. Paul had done a PHD in AI more than three decades before most of us had even heard of it! Often the smartest guy in the room, but always the most helpful and humble. Hard working yet great fun. Totally committed to getting the job done but always one of the first in the bar once it had been done. Paul was often the life of the party and I have many great memories of our nights out across the world."

"Calm in a crisis but always the first to the front line. Whether work (we worked in IT so there were a few over the years!) or personal, Paul was always the first on hand to help and stood with you for as long as was needed. They say reputation is what people say about you when you aren’t in the room. Top bloke. Great guy. Best of the best. Amazing. Genuine. Kind. Loyal. Legend. That’s what they say about my friend, Paul Maxwell. That’s a legacy that will live forever."

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

AI will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

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