Google director joins Debenhams board

Department store Debenhams has hired Google’s director of retail Peter Fitzgerald as a non-executive director to drive the retailer’s multi-channel business.

The appointment of Fitzgerald, who has previously also worked at e-tailer Amazon, comes as Debenhams noted in its full year statement the importance of its multi-channel business with its online sales increasing by 40 percent, while sales via mobile channels jumped up by 27 percent.

Commenting on the appointment, Nigel Northridge, Chairman of Debenhams, said: "Peter Fitzgerald has a wealth of experience in helping retail businesses to realise their online ambitions with acknowledged industry-leaders Amazon and Google.  

“Growing our multi-channel business is a crucial part of Debenhams' strategy and, as one of the leading experts in his field, we look forward to Peter's contribution as a member of the board."

Fitzgerald added: "I am very pleased to be joining the board of Debenhams.  I hope my experience working with businesses to help them succeed online will be valuable to the business and look forward to working closely with the team."