Cristofoli is exiting the beleaguered department store business alongside stores, operations and food boss Mark Ashman and transformation and people director Sally Hyndman.

The departure of former WH Smith and Sainsbury’s executive Cristofoli is the most significant of the three, having spent eight years with Debenhams.

He is credited with the launch of the retailer’s new ‘beauty hall of the future’ concept, the work done on repositioning its branding and its last year’s ‘Found It’ Christmas campaign.

The top-level changes come as new boss Stefaan Vansteenkiste bids to transform Debenhams’ ailing fortunes.