Deborah Howell

Deborah Howell has extensive work experience in various roles within the retail industry. Deborah is currently working as the Head of Trading and Distribution at Applegreen since October 2021. Prior to that, they held positions at Bunzl Irish Merchants as the Category & Innovation Manager from January 2020 to October 2021, and as a Senior Category Specialist from September 2019 to January 2020.

Deborah's earlier experience includes working at Heatons Group as a Senior Group Buyer/Integration Project Leader from July 2017 to August 2019, and as a Buyer for various product categories such as footwear, clothing, and accessories from May 2010 to July 2017.

Before joining Heatons Group, Deborah worked at Penneys/Primark in multiple roles, including Buyer for Ladies Jerseywear from November 2009 to April 2010, Buyer Designate for Ladies Knitwear from February 2008 to November 2009, Assistant Buyer from June 2007 to February 2008, Trainee Buyer from June 2006 to July 2007, and Buying Administrator from October 2005 to June 2006.

Overall, Deborah has a strong background in retail buying and category management, with a focus on various product categories in both large and small retail organizations.

Deborah Howell holds a Bachelor of Business Studies degree from Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone Campus, which they obtained between 1999 and 2003. Deborah also completed a Secretarial & Language Skills program at Moate Business College in 1998-1999. Deborah has pursued several certifications in information technology, including Microsoft Office Specialist, ECDL, and Microsoft Excel, from various institutions like Cenit College and IACT in 2019. In the same year, they also completed a Level 6 QQI Training and Development - Special Purpose Award program at The Open College. Deborah is currently studying at University College Dublin, where they are pursuing a Professional Diploma in Creativity, Innovation, and Leadership. Additionally, they have obtained certifications in negotiation skills from Scotwork and in Microsoft Office Specialist in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.