Marks & Spencer makes key senior appointments

Marks & Spencer has made two key appointments to its Retail, Operations and Property leadership team as it continues with its transformation programme.

Will Smith joins Marks & Spencer as Property Director and Helen Milford joining as Retail Director; both will report into Sacha Berendji, Retail, Operations & Property Director.

Smith was previously with Asda, where he is Vice President of Real Estate, Facilities and Market Development while Milford joins from Argos where she is Director of Retail on the Management Board.

Berendji said of the new recruits to the roles, which have broader scope and remit than previous retail and property director roles: "Building a store estate that’s fit for the future with industry-leading store operations and empowered colleagues is a key part of our transformation programme. We’re therefore adding two new roles to the Retail, Operations and Property leadership team [...].

"Will Smith’s experience spans property, strategy and general management and he will drive forward our plans to create a store estate fit for the future. He will have accountability for every aspect of our property function including our newly formed asset management team and extensive property portfolio.

"Helen has an outstanding track record and she will be supported by two new Heads of Division with the right breadth and depth of experience to deliver our mission to be the best retail operator with the most engaged and empowered colleagues in UK retail.”