Marks & Spencer announces staff changes

Marks & Spencer announced the changes to its Board and

senior management team on Tuesday. While John Dixon will be promoted as Executive Director General Merchandise from 1st October 2012, Belinda Earl will be appointed as Style Director from 1st September 2012 reporting to John. John has been with the company for 26 years and has a strong track record in a variety of roles, most recently Executive Director of Food and previously Director for Home and Direct. Belinda Earl, ex-CEO of Debenhams, Jaeger and Aquascutum, has a unique insight into British style and a wealth of experience across all categories of clothing and general merchandise.

The company also announced the departure of Kate Bostock, Executive Director General Merchandise who will be leaving Marks & Spencer by mutual consent to pursue other interests on 1st October 2012. Steve Rowe currently Director of Retail, will be promoted as Executive Director Food and will join the Board from 1st October 2012. Steve has been with M&S for 23 years and is a proven retailer. Currently Director for Retail, Steve heads all the GM and Food stores across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne will be joining the company from 1st September 2012 in the new role of Corporate Director of Strategy Implementation and Business Development. Patrick was previously a Group President at The Estée Lauder Companies. Most recently Patrick has been advising the M&S team to develop the new M&S YourBeauty concept.

John Dixon, Steve Rowe and Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne will be reporting directly to Marc Bolland, Chief Executive.