M&S makes two executive appointments to drive transformation

Marks & Spencer has today announced the appointment of Rachel Higham as its new Chief Digital & Technology Officer and Mark Lemming as Managing Director of International as it commences the next phase of its transformation strategy.

Higham, who will join the business later this year, is currently the Chief Information Officer at WPP. She brings over 20 years of experience in technology leadership roles within financial services, insurance and telecoms working for companies such as ABN Amro, HSBC, ACE Group, Vodafone and BT.

As part of its digital transformation, which Hingham will manage, the retailer recently announced that it recruited o9 Solutions to digitally transform and update its clothing and home planning systems.

Rachel Higham

Lemming, who is currently the Clothing & Home Supply Chain & Logistics Director at M&S, has been promoted and will step into his new role in the new financial year. Both roles will sit on the Executive Committee.

Mark Lemming

Stuart Machin, CEO of M&S, said: "These two new leadership appointments reflect the importance of digital and technology and capital-light international growth to the next phase of our transformation.

"As I set out at our recent Capital Markets Day, we have more to do in both of these areas and so much opportunity. Rachel and Mark are a fantastic addition to the Executive Team and I am confident that, with their leadership, we will accelerate the pace of change in the business as we reshape M&S for growth."