Debenhams promotes from within as it names new creative director

Debenhams head of creative Patrick Duggan has been promoted to creative director after being at the Boohoo for more than four-and-a-half years.

Duggan first joined Boohoo in July 2020, ahead of the group’s purchase of Debenhams in 2021, and took on the role of creative manager for both Coast and Karen Millen.

Moving over to Debenhams in February 2021, he has since held the roles of senior creative manager and head of creative at the group.

During his career, he has also worked at the likes of New Look, Wax London and the Arcadia Group.

In a post announcing the news on LinkedIn, Duggan thanked newly appointed Boohoo chief executive Dan Finley for his “support and leadership”.

He said: “[I am] really pleased to share that I have been promoted to the role of creative director at Debenhams. I’ve had the privilege of being part of the Debenhams journey within the Boohoo Group from pretty much day one and am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over these few short years.

“I get to work with incredible, passionate and talented people every day and have a bloody good laugh along the way. So, yeah. Absolutely chuffed to be recognised and rewarded for doing something I love with people I admire and respect. The future’s bright.”

The news comes after Debenhams reported a 65% rise in revenues year on year for the full year to February 29, 2024, while profit after tax reached £3.27m.

Debenhams now offers 10,000 brands to customers as part of its ongoing expansion plan under Finley’s new marketplace strategy.

Finley said earlier this month that the Debenhams brand brings “greater value than the entire market cap” of the Boohoo Group.

He also pledged his confidence in the whole group despite the ongoing public spat with Frasers Group amid Mike Ashley’s bid for a seat on the Boohoo board.