Debenhams creative director departs role to join Wax London

Patrick Duggan has left his role as creative director at Debenhams after more than five years with the wider Boohoo group.

Duggan joined in 2020, initially working across Karen Millen and Coast during the Covid-19 pandemic, before moving to Debenhams following Boohoo’s acquisition of the brand.

During his time with the business, he was involved in repositioning projects and creative campaigns across the portfolio, working alongside former Boohoo co-founder Carol Kane and chief executive John Lyttle.

In a statement confirming his departure on Linkedin, Duggan said he was “phenomenally proud and privileged to have been involved in so many career-defining projects”, and thanked colleagues across the group for their support.

He also expressed backing for the current leadership team under Debenhams chief executive Daniel Finley, citing its “drive and determination” in reshaping the business.

Duggan also confirmed he is set to join Wax London, where he has been appointed brand director. He previously worked with the menswear label on a consultancy basis more than five years ago.

Announcing the move, he said he was “incredibly excited about the opportunity to now get properly stuck in and build on the great work already done by Roger Wightman and the rest of the team”.

His exit marks the latest senior change at Debenhams, which has been repositioning itself as an online retailer since Boohoo bought the business out of administration in 2021.