Directorate Change

20 October 2011

DEBENHAMS PLC

DIRECTORATE CHANGE

Chris Woodhouse, Finance Director of Debenhams plc, has informed the board that he wishes to step down from his role to focus on his other business interests, including his chairmanships of Gondola Group and Agent Provocateur. After achieving a successful handover, Mr. Woodhouse will resign from the board at the Annual General Meeting on 10 January 2012 and will leave the business on 27 January 2012.

The board is pleased to announce that Simon Herrick will succeed Chris Woodhouse. Mr. Herrick will join Debenhams on 1 November 2011 as a member of the board and will take up the appointment of Chief Financial Officer on 10 January 2012.

Michael Sharp, Chief Executive of Debenhams, said:

"Chris Woodhouse has played a significant role in the development of Debenhams over the past eight years. The board and all his colleagues thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future.

"At the same time we are delighted that Simon Herrick will be joining us. Simon has strong financial experience gained in a range of companies and business environments. His skills and experience will be a great asset to Debenhams."

About Simon Herrick

Simon Herrick (48) is an experienced senior executive most recently at Northern Foods PLC where he held the role of Group Finance Director from 2009 to 2010 and Acting Chief Executive Officer from 2010 to 2011. Prior to this, Simon worked for Kesa Electricals PLC from 2004 to 2009, serving as Finance Director from 2005 to 2009. Simon has also held senior roles at Regus PLC, Hays PLC and Pepsi Cola International. Simon is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and holds an MBA from Durham University.

- Ends -

Enquiries

Analysts and Investors

Lisa Williams, Debenhams plc 020 7408 3304, 07908 483841

Media

Jonathon Brill, Financial Dynamics 020 7269 7170

Notes to Editors

Debenhams is an iconic British department store group which was established over 200 years ago. Debenhams has a strong presence in key product categories including womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, health and beauty and home and offers its customers a unique and differentiated mix of exclusive own bought brands including Designers at Debenhams, international brands and concessions.

Debenhams has 169 stores in the UK, the Republic of Ireland and Denmark as well as 65 international franchise stores in 25 countries. Debenhams products are also available online at www.debenhams.com and www.debenhams.ie and through iPhone, iPad, Android and Nokia apps.

Designers at Debenhams include Ted Baker, Jeff Banks, Jasper Conran, Erickson Beamon, FrostFrench, Henry Holland, Roksanda Ilincic, Betty Jackson, Jonathan Kelsey, Ben de Lisi, Julien Macdonald, Melissa Odabash, Jane Packer, Pearce Fionda, Preen, Janet Reger, John Rocha, Jonathan Saunders, Lisa Stickley, Eric Van Peterson and Matthew Williamson.