Boohoo veteran promoted to Creative Director of Debenhams

Patrick Duggan has been promoted from Head of Creative at Debenhams to Creative Director at Debenhams after four years at Boohoo Group.

Duggan joined Boohoo Group, which purchased Debenhams in 2021, in July 2020 as Creative Manager at Karen Millen. He worked his way up the ranks, joining Debenhams as Senior Head of Creative in January 2023 before being appointed Creative Director this month.

Prior to joining Boohoo, he held similar creative roles at Wax and New Look.

Duggan took to LinkedIn to announce his appointment: "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.

"...Absolutely chuffed to be recognised and rewarded for doing something I love with people I admire and respect."

Earlier this month, Debenhams posted significantly increased annual profits despite lower sales, which declined over 50%.

The online retailer celebrated a profit after tax of £3.27 million for the year ending 29 February, up from a £721,000 loss the previous year.

A mainstay of the UK high street since 1778, Debenhams first filed for administration in 2019 and was bought by Boohoo Group in 2021 for £55 million, later relaunching as an online-only retailer.

Dan Finley, CEO of Debenhams and parent company Boohoo Group, said: "The company has been transformed into a fast-growing and profitable business, with a capital-light and highly cash generative model with significant brand awareness in the UK."