Senior management and board reshuffle takes place at Marks & Spencers
Marks and Spencer Group has announced a shake-up amongst its senior management team and board, as it promotes John Dixon, executive director of food as executive director general merchandise.
Dixon, who has worked within the retailer for 26 years, also holding the role of director home and direct in that time, will take up the position from 1 October.
Reporting to Dixon will be Belinda Earl, former CEO of Debenhams, Jaeger and Aquascutum in her new position as style director from 1 September, where she will have a focus on product for between two and three days a week.
Departing the company on 1 October will be Kate Bostock, executive director of general merchandise, from 1 October, which includes stepping down from the board.
Other promotions include Steve Rowe, director or retail becoming executive director of food, who will also join the board, while Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne, previously group president at Estée Lauder, will join in the new role of corporate director of strategy implementation and business development. He had been advising M&S on the development of a new YourBeauty concept.
Marc Bolland, chief executive of Marks and Spencer Group, said: "I am confident that this strengthened team of internal and external best-in-class experts will blend well together to deliver our strategy of building M&S into a leading international multi-channel retailer.”
Chairman Robert Swannell,added :"The appointments announced today are part of our continuing programme to strengthen and broaden the range of skills and expertise that we have within our business. They combine the continuing development of some of our most talented people as well the addition of fresh expertise from outside. On behalf of all my Board colleagues I am delighted to be welcoming Steve Rowe to the Board and to express our appreciation for the significant contribution that Kate has made."