Paul Aspden moves on up at Debenhams Group as he takes on Chief Technology Officer position

Debenhams Group has announced the appointment of Paul Aspden as Chief Technology Officer.

He joined the retailer in 2023. Most recently Director of Technology, he has been instrumental in developing and scaling the group’s proprietary technology ecosystem which underpins its marketplace model.

In his new role, Aspden will focus on scaling Debenhams Group’s technology platform, with enhancements to make brand partner onboarding and management faster, smarter, and more seamless. He will also drive innovation, including the expanded use of AI to enhance decision-making, operational efficiency and customer experience.

He has already worked on key partnerships with Peak AI to deliver AI powered pricing, merchandising and inventory optimisation. He also supported the creation of the group’s AI Skills Academy, developed in partnership with Multiverse.

Aspden has also overseen a partnership with Mirakl, supporting theexpansion of its marketplace model and simplifying onboarding for new brand partners. More recently, the group partnered with PayPal to launch an AI driven shopping experience, becoming the first retailer in the UK to enable customers to discover, receive personalised recommendations and check out entirely within the PayPal app.

Dan Finley, CEO at Debenhams Group, says: “Having worked closely with Paul for the last 12 years, what's always stood out to me, is the way he combines strong, technological expertise and leadership with real commercial impact. He has been instrumental in advancing the technology that underpins our marketplace model, while introducing AI driven innovations that have supercharged both the customer experience and our operational efficiency.”

“Technology has fundamentally transformed how we run the business, from stock and pricing management to how customers shop with us every day. The focus now is on scaling these capabilities further, and Paul’s leadership will be central to making that happen.”

Aspden says: “I’m incredibly proud to step into the role of CTO. Since I joined the business, the group has undergone a significant transformation, cementing its position as a leading online retailer while pioneering some of the most exciting innovations in the industry.”

“There is a significant opportunity to go further - from scaling our platform and marketplace model, to embedding AI more deeply across the business and further enhancing how customers discover, explore and shop with us. I’m looking forward to working with the team to make the Group an even more dynamic place to shop and do business with.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

AI will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.