Debenhams chief financial officer and director Simon Herrick has resigned and will leave the retailer on February 7.

The department store retailer is seeking a replacement. Debenhams director of finance Neil Kennedy will take up the role of acting chief financial officer on an interim basis.

Debenhams chief executive Michael Sharp thanked Herrick for his “hard work and contribution over the past two years”.

He added: “We wish him well in the future.”

The resignation comes after Debenhams posted a profit warning on Tuesday after Christmas shoppers shunned the retailer.

Interim profits are expected to come in at approximately £85m versus £114.7m in the comparable period last year.