Debenhams' trading director steps down from business after 23 years

High-street chain Debenhams has announced today (September 7) that Suzanne Harlow, group trading director, is to step down and explore new opportunities elsewhere.

She is intending to leave the business in late October 2017, whilst Debenhams goes through a rapid transformation period to deliver its new strategy. With this, the business is creating three new units: Fashion and Home; Beauty and Beauty Services; Food and Events.

As a result of this, the main role of the group trading director will cease to exist, and each business unit will be led by a member of the executive committee.

Debenhams’ CEO, Sergio Bucher, said: “I would like to thank Suzanne personally for her support since my arrival at Debenhams in October last year. She has done an excellent job since she joined in 1994 and over the last eight years has driven growth in [numerous] categories.

“We have strengthened the management team over the last 12 months and now have a structure in place to support our ambition to become a leader in social shopping.”

A new executive committee, alongside others including the CEO and CFO of Debenhams, will be made responsible for Fashion and Home, and is expected to be appointed in the near future.

Sir Ian Cheshire, the company’s chairman, commented: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Suzanne for her significant contribution to Debenhams over the last 23 years.

“She has proved herself a consummate professional and I personally would like to thank her particularly for her help and support to the business through the period of leadership transition. We wish her every success in the future.”

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