Debenhams names ex-Gallaher boss as chair

Debenhams, the department store chain, announced today that Nigel Northridge, the former chief executive of Gallaher, the maker of Benson & Hedges cigarettes, will become its new chairman to replace John Lovering.
The company said Mr Northridge will step up to the role on April 1 following the retirement of Mr Lovering who has chaired the retailer since 2003 and led its flotation on the London Stock Exchange in 2006.
Yesterday, Mr Lovering became chairman of Mitchells & Butlers, replacing Simon Laffin after Joe Lewis, the Bahamas-based billionaire, orchestrated a coup that saw three members ousted from the board.
Mr Northridge is currently chairman of Paddy Power, the betting group, the senior independent director of Aggreko, the emergency power supply business and is a non-executive with Thomas Cook, the travel company and Inchcape, the car dealer.Mr Northridge, who was with Gallaher for 32 years, which was sold for £9.4 billion in 2007, is joining Debenhams at a challenging time for retailers. Earlier this month, Debenhams reported that it had increased sales over the Christmas period but warned of an uncertain year in the face of the return to the 17.5 per cent VAT rate and the impending general election.