M&S clothing boss steps down as CEO takes over role
Marks & Spencer head of clothing Jill McDonald is leaving the company and is set to be replaced by chief executive Steve Rowe.
McDonald, the former chief executive of cycling retailer Halfords, joined the high street giant less than two years ago.
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Sky News, which broke the news of McDonald’s departure, reported that there was no inclination that she had wished to leave the M&S role.
However, the company stopped short of confirming she had been pushed out.
McDonald was responsible for leading the turnaround of the company’s most important division, clothing, beauty and homeware.
Rowe, who has been with the company for more than 25 years, will now lead the department’s transformation plan in addition to his chief executive responsibilities. The M&S veteran has previously been in charge of the unit.
Rowe said: “Jill was brought in to establish a strong platform for the transformation of the Clothing and Home business.
“She has achieved that; she leaves with my thanks and good wishes for the future.
“She has recruited a talented team, improved the quality and style of product and set a clear direction for the business to attract a younger family age customer.
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“The business now needs to move on at pace to address long-standing issues in our Clothing and Home supply chain around availability and flow of product.
“Given the importance of this task to M&S I will be overseeing this programme directly.”
Main image credit: Getty