Jill McDonald new MD for clothing at Marks & Spencer

The new MD will report directly to Steve Rowe, CEO of M&S. She will join the company in autumn and will be part of the M&S Operating Committee, the team accountable for the day-to-day running of the business and the development and execution of strategy.

As a result of this appointment, M&S is also announcing a change of responsibility for CEO Steve Rowe, who will relinquish his clothing, home & beauty accountabilities to McDonald on her arrival, and for CFO Helen Weir, who will hand over responsibility for the clothing, home & beauty supply chain and logistics.

"I am pleased with the progress we have made in clothing & home over the last year and the time is now right for this appointment," said Rowe.

"Jill is an excellent addition to the M&S senior leadership team and we are delighted that she is joining us. Jill's first-class customer knowledge and great experience in running dynamic, high achieving teams make her exactly the right person to lead this all-important part of our business from recovery in to growth," added Rowe.

"M&S has a unique, special relationship with its customers and I am very motivated by working closely with customers to drive and shape results. I have long been an M&S customer and professional fan, so working with the brand was a career opportunity that I just couldn’t turn down. I am looking forward to joining Steve and the team later this year to build on the plans that are already underway," said McDonald.

M&S has also announced that, on Jill's arrival, Jo Jenkins will move to the new role of clothing & beauty director, reporting to Jill, and with expanded accountabilities for all clothing across womenswear, menswear and kidswear. (KD)

ALCHEMPro News Desk – India