Debenhams Group names Chief Technology Officer to scale marketplace
Aspden was previously Director of Technology at Debenhams Group, a position he has held since March 2023. Prior to that, he was Managing Director of motor vehicle parts company MoFast Performance Limited, and spent over two years as Associate Director at JD Sports Fashion up to July 2022.
That was following almost eight and a half years at One iota, a retail technology solutions company for some of the UK’s leading retailers and brands including JD, Superdry, Blacks, Size? and Littlewoods - supporting and enhancing their omni-channel strategies as Operations Director.
In his new role at Debenhams Group, Aspden will focus on technology enhancements to make brand partner onboarding and management "faster, smarter and more seamless". He will also drive further innovation, including the expanded use of AI to enhance decision making, operational efficiency and customer experience.
Aspden has already supported the integration of AI across the business, including working on key strategic partnerships with Peak AI to deliver AI-powered pricing, merchandising and inventory optimisation.
He has also supported the creation of the group’s AI Skills Academy, developed in partnership with Multiverse, to equip employees with practical AI capabilities and help address the AI skills gap.
Dan Finley, CEO of Debenhams Group, said: "Having worked closely with Paul for the last 12 years, what's always stood out to me, is the way he combines strong, technological expertise and leadership with real commercial impact.
"He has been instrumental in advancing the technology that underpins our marketplace model, while introducing AI-driven innovations that have supercharged both the customer experience and our operational efficiency.
"Technology has fundamentally transformed how we run the business, from stock and pricing management to how customers shop with us every day. The focus now is on scaling these capabilities further, and Paul’s leadership will be central to making that happen."
Aspden added: "I’m incredibly proud to step into the role of CTO. Since I joined the business, the group has undergone a significant transformation, cementing its position as a leading online retailer while pioneering some of the most exciting innovations in the industry.
"There is a significant opportunity to go further - from scaling our platform and marketplace model, to embedding AI more deeply across the business and further enhancing how customers discover, explore and shop with us. I’m looking forward to working with the team to make the group an even more dynamic place to shop and do business with."
Aspden has previously overseen the Debenhams Group’s partnership with Mirakl, supporting the continued expansion of its marketplace model and simplifying onboarding for new brand partners.
More recently, the group partnered with PayPal to launch an AI-driven shopping experience, becoming the first retailer in the UK to enable customers to discover, receive personalised recommendations and check out entirely within the PayPal app.
His appointment comes as Debenhams Group strengthens its senior leadership team, recently welcoming Nikki Tattersall as Chief Product Officer to lead product strategy across the group’s youth brands.
Debenhams Group is also building strong momentum. In March 2026, it announced a 36% year-on-year increase in full-year adjusted EBITDA to £53 million for FY26 (to 28th February 2026), driven by a 76% increase in H2 adjusted EBITDA.
