Debenhams : Directorate Change

DEBENHAMS PLC

BOARD APPOINTMENT

Debenhams plc announces that it has today appointed Sir Ian Cheshire as a non-executive director, and Chairman-elect. Nigel Northridge, Chairman of Debenhams, has informed the board of his intention to step down from the board in April 2016 following two terms of office. Sir Ian will succeed Nigel Northridge as non-executive Chairman on 7th April 2016.

Nigel Northridge, Chairman of Debenhams, said:

'We are delighted to welcome Ian to Debenhams. He has had a long and distinguished career in retail and his experience and expertise will be a great addition to the board. I have enjoyed my six years as Chairman, seeing the business come through a difficult period for the industry in robust shape. Over the last year management's strategy has been delivering as evidenced by our good full year results and strong Christmas trading. I am pleased that we have secured an exceptional candidate for the chairmanship.'

Sir Ian Cheshire said:

'Debenhams is back in really great shape and I look forward to joining a very strong board and working with the management team to maximise the many opportunities in the business.'

There is no information to disclose under LR 9.6.13R pertaining to this appointment.

About Sir Ian Cheshire

Sir Ian Cheshire (56), previously CEO of Kingfisher plc, is currently the senior independent director of Whitbread plc, the Chairman of Menhaden Capital plc and the Government Lead non-executive and a non-executive board member of the Cabinet Office. He is also President of the Business Disability Forum, Chair of the advisory board of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and was formerly Chairman of the British Retail Consortium.

Sir Ian retired as Group Chief Executive of Kingfisher plc in December 2014 after 7 years in the role and 17 years with the company. During his tenure as Group Chief Executive, Kingfisher's reported sales grew 23%, adjusted profit before tax doubled and Kingfisher's market capitalisation increased by £3.8 billion (+112%), whilst at the same time £1.6 billion of financial net debt was eliminated.

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Enquiries

Analysts and Investors

Debenhams plc

Katharine Wynne, Director of Investor Relations 020 3549 6304

Media

Brunswick Group

Simon Sporborg, Jon Drage 020 7404 5959

Notes to editors

Debenhams is a leading international, multi-channel brand with a proud British heritage which trades out of over 250 stores across 27 countries. Debenhams gives its customers around the world a unique, differentiated and exclusive mix of own brands, international brands and concessions.

Debenhams has been investing in design for over 20 years through its exclusive Designers at Debenhams portfolio of brands. Current designers include Abigail Ahern, Jeff Banks, Jasper Conran, Giles Deacon, Sadie Frost and Jemima French, Patrick Grant, Henry Holland, Betty Jackson, Stephen Jones , Ben de Lisi, Todd Lynn, Julien Macdonald, Savannah Miller, Jenny Packham, Aliza Reger, John Rocha, Ashley Thomas, Justin Thornton and Thea Bragazzi, Eric Van Peterson and Matthew Williamson.