Marks & Spencer clothing boss Richard Price to depart

(Sharecast News) - Marks & Spencer said on Thursday Richard Price, managing director of clothing, home & beauty since 2020, will be leaving the retailer to pursue a portfolio career. Price will be succeeded by John Lyttle, the former CEO of Boohoo Group. M&S said Lyttle has "extensive" retail and transformation experience, having spent five years at Boohoo and nine at Primark as chief operating officer.

Maddy Evans, the current director of womenswear, will take on a broader role including lingerie, becoming director of M&S Woman. Charlotte Davies, the company's director of lingerie, will report into Evans.

M&S also said that David Brittain will be joining the group as director of home & beauty at the end of April. He joins from Amazon, where he is currently business development director for Amazon Fashion, Europe.

Chief executive Stuart Machin 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. Richard leaves the business as a long-standing friend of M&S and we wish him the very best.

"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'm delighted to welcome John to M&S. He brings extensive experience in driving strong volume-based growth and supply chain transformation across store-based and pureplay retailers. His down-to-earth leadership style fits with our sleeves rolled up, 'tell it as it is' culture, and I know he will be a brilliant colleague to work with."