Marks & Spencer Regulatory News (MKS)

Marks and Spencer Group plc

Justin King to join Board as Non-Executive Director

Marks and Spencer Group plc ("M&S") today announces the appointment of Justin King as a Non-Executive Director with effect from 1 January 2019.

Justin is recognised as one of the UK's most successful retail leaders having led the revival of J Sainsbury's as Chief Executive over ten years. Prior to that, he was one of the pioneers of the development of Simply Food at M&S and previously one of the leadership team responsible for the turnaround of Asda. He therefore brings in-depth experience of retail transformation and operations as well as a good historic understanding of the M&S business and values.

Justin's appointment is a further step in the creation of a very strong transformation Board for M&S and is the fourth new hire in the last year. Justin will join M&S's Nomination Committee on appointment.

Steve Rowe, M&S Chief Executive, commented: "I am delighted that Justin has agreed to join us. As we navigate the challenges ahead it will be enormously helpful to have his experience, wisdom and insight on the Board. Many colleagues remember his time at M&S and will warmly welcome him back."

Archie Norman, M&S Chairman, added: "Justin's appointment completes a very significant reorientation of the board in the last year. He will be a great addition to a strong team."

Commenting on his appointment Justin said: "Having worked there 15 years ago, M&S has a very special place in my affections. I look forward to joining the Board and supporting Steve in the turnaround that he is leading."

Justin will continue to serve as Vice Chairman of Terra Firma and on the Public Interest Body of PwC. He has previously served as a director of Staples and was a Board member of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games where he served on the Audit Committee of both organisations. He was also a member of the Prime Minister's Business Advisory Group.

The company confirms that there is no further information required to be disclosed pursuant to paragraph 9.6.13 of the UK listing rules.

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For further information, please contact:

M&S Corporate Press Office 020 8718 1919

Notes to Editors:

Making M&S Special 

In November 2017 Marks & Spencer set out a transformation programme for the business concentrating on Restoring the Basics, Shaping the Future and Making M&S Special. 

Under this transformation programme, Making M&S Special, M&S has to date announced:

· A slowdown in the Simply Food store opening programme

· An acceleration of the UK store estate closure programme

· The sale and franchise of its retail business in Hong Kong and Macau

· A new Technology Transformation Programme

· Improvements to its Clothing & Home Logistics Network

· The restructure of the Customer, Marketing & Digital Team

· New customer insight partnership with Starcount

· The appointment of a new Food Managing Director

· The merging of its Retail & Property functions

· A New leadership team responsible for overhauling Clothing & Home business

· The announcement of the start of a programme to create a family of businesses under the M&S brand

· The appointment of two new Non-Executive Directors to its Board

· A strategic partnership with Microsoft focused on transforming the retail experience

· A new strategic partnership with Octopus to supply energy and services under the M&S Energy brand

· The launch of Founders Factory Retail, a JV focused on investing in start-ups

· The creation of a Retail Data Academy with Decoded to upskill over 1000 colleagues

· A partnership with True to gain access to the latest enterprise-ready technologies and innovations

People & Structure Changes

Since Steve Rowe became CEO in April 2016, M&S has set about streamlining and changing its operational and leadership structure. The Clothing & Home and Food businesses have been established as two separate business units, each with full P&L accountabilities, and independently managed.

Additionally, the senior leadership team has been strengthened by reducing in number and fully empowering its Operating Committee, and a number of senior hires, including:

· David Guise, HR Director, appointed October 2016

· Mel Smith, Strategy Director, appointed May 2017

· Jill McDonald, Clothing & Home MD, appointed October 2017

· Victoria Self, Digital Director, appointed January 2018

· Sharry Cramond, Food Marketing Director, appointed January 2018

· Lawrence Christensen, Independent Advisor on Supply Chain, appointed March 2018

· Julian Richer, Independent Advisor on Culture Change, appointed March 2018

· Stuart Machin, Food MD, appointed April 2018

· Wes Taylor, Menswear Director, appointed May 2018

· Neil Adams, Food Transformation Director, appointed May 2018

· Jill Stanton, Womenswear & Kidswear Director, appointed July 2018

· Humphrey Singer, CFO, appointed July 2018

· Nick Hewitt, Director of Finance, Food, appointed August 2018

· Kirsty Ward, Director of M&S Bank and Services, appointed November 2018

· Jeremy Pee, Chief Digital & Data Officer, appointed December 2018