M&S clothing chief to join White Stuff as CEO

Jo Jenkins, director of clothing‎ and beauty at Marks & Spencer, is set to join White Stuff as CEO. Jenkins will join White Stuff by Spring 2018 at the latest, the retailer has confirmed.

Speaking of her appointment Jenkins said in a statement: "I am really excited to be joining White Stuff and becoming part of a business well known for its focus on its people and its customers. It is a privilege to be leading the business through this next phase of its development and I am looking forward to working with all of the White Stuff team to build on the values and customer ethos laid down by the founders George Treves and Sean Thomas”.

Jenkins, who has been with M&S since 2013 and prior to that Next, will replace outgoing White Stuff CEO Jeremy Seigal who is leaving after five years with the company. Chairman Debbie Hewitt thanked Seigal for his service and said she was "delighted" to welcome Jenkins to the business.

"She is a talented retailer who brings great customer insight, relevant product knowledge and strong store operations experience and she has a track record of developing effective supply chain relationships. She is recognised for leading with a strong brand vision and for bringing a positive customer ethos to the core of the businesses that she has worked with.

"Her experience will enable her to work with our team to strengthen our brand credentials and to develop the business into new areas. We look forward very much to working with her," Hewitt said.