Debenhams md to quit after less than a year

Debenhams made the unexpected announcement today that its managing director Angela Spindler would leave the company at the end of this month – after just nine months in the role.

While no reason was given for her sudden departure, it is part of a reshuffle at the top level of the department store group.

Chief operating officer Michael Sharp will become deputy chief executive, while Suzanne Harlow, trading director for womenswear, steps up to board level as group trading director with responsibility for buying and merchandising.

Spindler will leave Debenhams on November 30. She joined earlier this year from supermarket chain Asda where she headed up the team responsible for the hugely successful George clothing range.