M&S completes restructuring of general merchandising team
Marks and Spencer has completed the restructuring of its general merchandise team with two key appointments.
Frances Russell has been promoted to the position of director of womenswear with immediate effect. Russell has worked with M&S for the last four years, most recently as director of lingerie and beauty. Prior to M&S, Russell worked at Arcadia where her previous roles included brand director of Burton and Evans.
In a second appointment, Janie Schaffer will join M&S as director of lingerie and beauty in early 2013. Schaffer joins M&S from Victoria’s Secret where she was chief creative officer. Her retail pedigree also includes the launch and ownership of the Knickerbox brand.
The appointments complete the new team structure recently outlined by new executive director John Dixon which has created four larger trading departments. As a result of the appointments, former womenswear trading director Annette Browne has stepped down from her role.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Dixon explained: “Since joining the GM Team in October, one of my priorities has been ensuring that we have the right leadership team and right structure to take us forward. I am delighted to complete the team with the promotion of Frances and the appointment of Janie. We are now all absolutely focused on delivering the right product for our customers.”
Marc Bolland, chief executive, added: “We have been able to establish a team that combines the best of M&S experience with exciting, new, external talent. Their impact will start to come through when we launch our Autumn/Winter collections in July next year.”
