A new Debenhams department store is seen in a shopping centre in Watford, Britain, September 24, 2018. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

LONDON (Reuters) - British department store group Debenhams said Mark Gifford, a former chief financial officer at rival House of Fraser, had been appointed as the chairman of its parent group Celine Jersey Topco.

Chief Executive Stefaan Vansteenkiste, tasked with turning around the retailer after it went into administration in April, said: “We are delighted that Mark will be joining the parent board to work with our investor consortium, who have confirmed their continuing commitment through providing additional liquidity for our peak trading.”