Debenhams names new chairman

British department store chain Debenhams today named its successor to retail veteran John Lovering, who is stepping down after seven years as chairman.

Nigel Northridge – whose CV includes 32 years at Benson & Hedges cigarettes firm Gallaher – will take up the reins at Debenhams in April.

Mr Lovering is retiring from Debenhams but will take the helm at All Bar One firm Mitchells & Butlers later this year.

Major shareholders of the pubs group won a bruising battle at the firm’s annual meeting yesterday, heralding a boardroom shake-up at the company.