// Debenhams hires Beatrice Lafon as a non-executive director
// Lafon joins Celine Jersey Topco Limited, the parent company of the Debenhams Group
// She has held CEO roles at various companies
Debenhams has appointed Beatrice Lafon as a non-executive director of Celine Jersey Topco Limited, the parent company of Debenhams.
Lafon has held chief executive roles at various companies, including European fashion retailer Pimkie and The Business Intelligence Network.
She was also the chief executive of US jewellery retailer Claire’s Accessories, where she began as president of the European market, before taking the helm in 2014.
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“Lafon’s variety of experience and track record of turnaround expertise brings another dimension to the group,” Celine Jersey Topco Limited chairman Mark Gifford said.
“We continue to strengthen the board to support Stefaan and the operational team with wide-ranging skills and knowledge and strategic perspective.
“Having made good progress in our restructuring plans and with our supportive investor group and access to substantial funding, Debenhams is well set to implement a turnaround.”
Lafon joins just as Debenhams confirmed it would shut 19 stores in the UK this month – resulting in 660 job losses.
Last week, the struggling department store chain was reportedly seeking to offload its executive pension scheme, which holds more than £200 million assets.
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