M&S shakes up leadership, appointing ex-Boohoo CEO to drive clothing business

Marks & Spencer has appointed a new Managing Director of Clothing, Home & Beauty, as well as a new Director of M&S Woman and Director of Home & Beauty, as it sets out to "transform" its Clothing, Home & Beauty business.

Ex-Boohoo CEO John Lyttle will be joining as Managing Director of Clothing, Home & Beauty in a planned succession. He brings extensive retail and transformation experience, having spent five years at Boohoo and nine years at Primark as COO.

Lyttle said: "Marks & Spencer is somewhere I have always wanted to work, and it is a real privilege to join the Clothing, Home & Beauty business at a time when there is both so much momentum and opportunity. I can’t wait to get started."

John Lyttle

Richard Price, who has served as Managing Director of Clothing, Home & Beauty since 2020, will be leaving the UK department store to pursue a portfolio career following a handover period.

Price added: "I am proud to have helped rebuild the Clothing, Home & Beauty business and led a team which has transformed product, grown sales and market share and, most importantly, confidence. I feel now is the right time for me to step away from full-time executive life and I am pleased to be handing the baton to John."

Maddy Evans, currently Director of Womenswear, will step into the role of Director of M&S Woman.

Meanwhile, David Brittain will take over from Heidi Woodhouse, Director of Home & Beauty, at the end of April. He is currently the Business Development Director at Amazon Fashion in Europe.

Stuart Machin, CEO, said: "Thanks to Richard’s leadership, the Clothing, Home & Beauty business is now on a much stronger footing with improved product. Style perceptions have increased consistently and our lead on quality and value has extended, driving growth in sales and market share.

"That said, there remains much to do and so much opportunity in this next phase of our plan to reshape M&S for future growth. Changes underway to embed strategic sourcing partnerships, a modern planning platform and an efficient logistics network are nascent and there is lots to do to develop a truly omnichannel Clothing, Home & Beauty business.

"I am confident that this team will bring the fresh perspective, energy and drive required to up the pace and scale of change in this next phase of transformation across M&S’s Clothing, Home & Beauty business."