Ex-George boss takes reins at Debenhams
Debenhams has appointed Angela Spindler, former head of Asda-owned fashion label George, to the new role of managing director.
She will join the company at the beginning of February next year and will be responsible for the development of the Debenhams’ brand, oversee marketing strategy and the company’s online retail business. She will report to Debenhams chief executive Rob Templeman.
Spindler resigned as global managing director of Asda’s clothing brand George abruptly in August this year, citing “family reasons”. At George, she was responsible for bringing in WAG Coleen McLoughlin, the fiancé of footballer Wayne Rooney, to front its campaigns. She was thought to be working on a brand relaunch at the time of her departure.
She was replaced by former Marks & Spencer retail director Anthony Thompson in September. Thompson has since carried out a wide-ranging management restructure, and has appointed former M&S colleague Andrew Moore to the new position of director of supply chain and merchandising.
The retailer has been working with Miles Calcraft Briginshaw Duffy to reposition it as an equal to competitors such as M&S and to give it a brighter and fresher look. This has coincided with a refurbishment of its 135 stores and the introduction of new, younger brands such as Ted Baker to its clothing range.
