Debenhams names Jones to sourcing role

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Jan 10, 2018

Under-pressure retail giant Debenhams has announced a key new appointment with news that Richard Jones is to join it as Trading Director, Global Sourcing.  

The appointment follows the recent arrival of Steven Cook as MD of Fashion and Home and “will further strengthen Debenhams’ own brand product proposition,” it said.

Own brands have long been a key part of the Debenhams offer and the company continues to invest heavily in them having recently refreshed its Designers at Debenhams line-up.

And Jones certainly has a strong CV. He arrives at the company “with a proven track record of buying and merchandising roles along with optimised sourcing and supply chain experience,” Debenhams said, adding that he “played a significant part in developing the Sainsbury’s Tu Clothing business and brand.” 

That brand is now one of the biggest clothing labels in the UK and has been a key factor in growth at Sainsbury’s in recent periods.

He has also held senior commercial and operational roles at M&S,  Tesco and Target in Australia.
 
Joining on February 5, he will lead Debenhams’ product development and sourcing team which includes overseas hubs in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. 
 
Angela Morrison, Debenhams’ IT and supply chain director, said: “[He] joins Debenhams with excellent knowledge and credentials in both sourcing and product development. He will be a real asset as he leads Debenhams UK and international teams to improve our product offer as we continue to implement the Debenhams Redesigned strategy.”