Debenhams has named Clive Bentley as new property director, replacing Rob Hadfield who leaves the department store retailer next month.
Bentley joins with 25 years of retail and leisure experience, having previously worked as global property and commercial director for Costa Coffee, as well as positions at Eat and Prezzo.
He will report directly to chief finance officer Rachel Osborne.
“Bentley will bring a wealth of experience as we transform our property portfolio and work with landlords to redefine a new future for our store estate,” Debenhams chief executive Sergio Bucher said.
“Clive will play a key role in this process.”
It comes after Debenhams experienced another blow to its turnaround at the start of the month when ratings agency Moody’s downgraded the retailer on two separate measures.
Bentley also joins as Debenhams revealed last month that it would close 50 under-performing stores out of its 165-strong portfolio over the next three to five years.
Yet despite announcing the worst financial results in its 240-year history, the retailer’s share prices jumped as much as 15 per cent as traders welcomed a concrete plan of action for staying afloat.
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