Finley, formerly group multi-channel director at JD Sports, took to LinkedIn to confirm the appointment at Debenhams which was acquired by Boohoo Group last year.
Finley has also held positions with The Peacock Group and Javelin Group.
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“After an incredible decade as group multi-channel director at JD Sports Fashion Plc, I decided it was time to take up a new challenge,” Finley said in his LinkedIn post.
“Today, I am excited to have started my new role as chief executive of Debenhams, following its acquisition last year by Boohoo Group.
“I am delighted to take charge of a great British heritage brand and looking forward to building on the progress that the team have made since its acquisition.”
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By GlobalDataBoohoo Group inked a GBP55m (US$73.9m) deal to buy the Debenhams brand in January last year in a move aimed at furthering its ambition to create the UK’s largest marketplace and grow into new categories including beauty, sport, and homeware.
The UK department store chain entered administration for the second time in April of 2020 and began a wind-down of its operations in early December after JD Sports ended rescue talks and administrators failed to find an alternative buyer for the business.
The acquisition saw all of Debenhams’ physical stores close, while Boohoo Group acquired the brand and website.
Debenhams relaunched under Boohoo Group as an online marketplace in October 2021, powered by Mirakl. Boohoo Group said the move would allow Debenhams to evolve into a new era of digital commerce by rapidly growing its product offering while staying true to the Debenhams brand.
Through the Debenhams marketplace, the ambition is to create the UK’s largest marketplace across fashion, beauty, sport, and homeware
