Former Gap boss joins Debenhams parent company board

The department store chain has appointed Stephen Sunnucks, who has held a number of senior leadership positions at several large retailers and is currently a senior adviser at advisory firm Alix Partners.

He began his career at Marks & Spencer, before moving to Sainsbury’s and then Burton Group where he was managing director of Dorothy Perkins.

From 2005 to 2014 he held a number of senior roles at Gap, including as global president between 2012 and 2014. Sunnucks was also previously the chief executive of New Look.

Sunnucks has held non-executive directorships at Phase Eight and Helly Hansen, both as chair, and Superdry.

Celine Jersey Topco chair said: “Stephen’s reputation in the retail industry is second to none. He has been involved in various turnaround and restructuring situations both in the public and private sphere and has strong apparel credentials. His appointment completes our board, which blends breadth of experience and skills with strategic insight and understanding.

“Stefaan [Vansteenkiste, Debenhams chief executive] and I are delighted that the operational team will have access to the support of such a group, as he and his colleagues work to deliver the Debenhams turnaround. With continued access to substantial funding from our investor group, Debenhams is well set to navigate the next phase of its recovery.”