New Debenhams boss named

Jan 29 2010 By nebusiness

Department store chain Debenhams today named its successor to retail veteran John Lovering, who is stepping down after seven years as chairman.

Nigel Northridge - whose CV includes 32 years at Benson & Hedges cigarettes firm Gallaher - will take up the reins at Debenhams in April.

Mr Lovering is retiring from Debenhams but will take the helm at All Bar One firm Mitchells & Butlers later this year.

Major shareholders of the pubs group won a bruising battle at the firm’s annual meeting yesterday, heralding a boardroom shake-up at the company.