Retail Influencers & Keynote Speakers

Dan Finley is one of the leading digital retail executives, with a track record of transforming brands, driving profitable growth, and building global market-leading online businesses.

As Chief Executive Officer of Debenhams Group, Dan is responsible for the Group’s strategy, growth, and continued evolution as a technology-enabled online retail business.

Dan led the turnaround of Debenhams, the iconic British heritage brand, following its acquisition out of administration, overseeing its transformation into Britain’s leading online department store. Through a marketplace-led model, a sharper customer proposition, and a focus on innovation, Debenhams was successfully transformed for the digital era. The blueprint developed during that turnaround now underpins the multi-year turnaround of the wider Debenhams Group.

Today, Dan is focused on the next phase of the Group’s growth, including the application of AI across the business, the expansion of marketplace capabilities, and unlocking new opportunities across the brand portfolio.

Prior to Debenhams, Dan spent more than a decade at JD Sports Fashion Plc, serving as Group Multi-Channel Director during a period of significant global expansion. He led the development of JD Group’s digital and multi-channel proposition as the business became one of the best-performing retailers in the world and entered the FTSE100.

Throughout his career, Dan has been driven by a belief that successful businesses never stand still. His approach combines strong commercial discipline with a willingness to challenge convention, move quickly, and embrace change. He is passionate about building ambitious teams, creating cultures of innovation, and delivering sustainable long-term growth.

Dan is an economist and technologist who was educated at Balliol College, University of Oxford.