Debenhams has appointed Clive Bentley, formerly global property and commercial director at Costa, as its new property director, replacing Rob Hadfield.
Hadfield, who is director of group property, will leave on 14 December after eight years at the department store chain.
Bentley most recently led the asset management strategy for sandwich chain Eat. Before that, he completed a strategic restructure of the property portfolio at casual dining operator Prezzo.
At Costa, Bentley led the brand’s expansion from 73 to more than 3,300 stores.
He will join on 1 December, reporting to chief financial officer Rachel Osborne.
Sergio Bucher, chief executive of Debenhams, said: “[Bentley] will bring a wealth of experience as we transform our property portfolio and work with landlords to redefine a new future for our store estate.”
“I am very grateful to Rob for his work over the past eight years at Debenhams, and he leaves with our very best wishes for the future.”
Bentley said: “I am very much looking forward to joining Debenhams. Getting to grips with the property portfolio will play a vital part in shaping the future of Debenhams and I look forward to working with our landlords to move the company’s portfolio of leases on to a sustainable footing.”
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