Former Asos Executive Joins Debenhams to Boost Online Marketplace

  • Debenhams appoints Jo Hunt as head of business development
  • Hunt previously worked at Asos for 18 years
  • Debenhams has existed as an online-only department store marketplace since being acquired by Boohoo in 2021
  • Pre-tax profit increased to £3.27m from a loss of £721,000 in the previous year

Debenhams has appointed Jo Hunt, the former head of partner brands at Asos, as its new head of business development. Hunt brings valuable experience in growing third-party businesses across men’s and women’s wear to her new role at Debenhams, where she will focus on expanding the online marketplace. The retailer has seen a significant improvement in financial performance since being acquired by Boohoo Group for £55m in 2021, posting a pre-tax profit of £3.27m for the year to February 2024 and experiencing a 65% increase in gross merchandise value (GMV) to £359.69m. With this new appointment, Debenhams aims to further strengthen its position in the online marketplace sector.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides relevant information about Jo Hunt’s appointment as the new head of business development at Debenhams and includes accurate financial data for the company. It also mentions the acquisition by Boohoo Group and the promotion of Dan Finley to chief executive. However, it contains some irrelevant details such as the mention of International Women’s Day 2025 and The White Company founder Chrissie Rucker, which are not directly related to the main topic.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about Jo Hunt’s appointment as the new head of business development at Debenhams and highlights the company’s financial performance. However, it lacks in-depth analysis or exploration of long-term trends or consequences of decisions.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses Debenhams’ financial performance, including its pre-tax profit and sales figures, as well as the appointment of Jo Hunt as head of business development. It also mentions the acquisition of Debenhams by Boohoo Group for £55m.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article.

Reported publicly: www.retailgazette.co.uk