M&S shakes up executive team to get it 'fit for the future of retail'
Marks and Spencer has announced a raft of changes to its senior executive team which have seen UK Retail & M&S International represented at board level for the first time.
“Over the last three years, we have worked hard to transform M&S into an international, multi-channel retailer that is fit for the future of retail,” explained Marc Bolland, M&S chief executive.
“We now have the right infrastructure in place to take our business forward, and as we enter the next phase of our plan, we need to make sure our team structures and internal processes allow us to move with pace, simplicity and speed.”
To do this, Laura Wade-Gery, currently executive director of multi-channel, has assumed responsibility for UK Retail, in addition to her current M&S.com remit. Sacha Berendji, retail director, will report directly to her.
Meanwhile, Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne has been tasked with overseeing the international business in addition to his current responsibilities as executive director of marketing and business development.
Costas Antimissaris, has been appointed to the role of international director and will report in to Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne.
M&S has said the changes aim to drive greater accountability and responsibility across the business, including increased spans of control, streamlined processes, and a more collaborative way of working “to promote swifter decision making and a speedier response to customers’ needs.”
The retailer has also developed four new core values - inspiration, innovation, integrity and in-touch – which will be implemented in the coming months.
All changes to executive responsibilities start with immediate effect.