Debenhams appoints Sir Ian Cheshire as new chairman

Department store operator Debenhams has appointed Sir Ian Cheshire, former chief executive of B&Q owner Kingfisher, as chairman and non-executive director.

He will succeed Nigel Northridge, who plans to step down from the board in April after two terms in office.

Northridge said Cheshire had “a long and distinguished career in retail and his experience and expertise will be a great addition to the board.”

“I am pleased that we have secured an exceptional candidate for the chairmanship," he added.

Cheshire is currently the senior independent director of Premier Inn and Costa owner Whitbread.

Earlier this week, Debenhams shares surged after the retailer reported solid Christmas trading that beat analysts’ expectations.

For the 19 weeks to 9 January, like-for-like sales were up 1.9%, comfortably ahead of forecasts for a 0.1% drop and better than last year's 0.8% decline.

At 1544 GMT, Debenhams shares were up 0.7% to 77.30p.