M&S hires Stuart Machin to head up food business
Marks & Spencer has appointed Steinhoff UK head Stuart Machin to the new role of managing director of food as it looks to overhaul its food arm as part of a wider transformation of the business.
Due to join M&S in late April, Machin will have overall P&L accountability for all aspects of the M&S food business and will report Steve Rowe, the retailer’s chief executive.
M&S said Machin will be working closely with clothing and home managing director, Jill McDonald, who is leading the transformation in non-food at the company.
Prior to joining Steinhoff, Machin was chief executive of Target Australia for three years, after previously being chief operating officer of Coles Supermarkets Australia. His food retail career includes stints at ASDA Walmart, Tesco and J Sainsbury.
Rowe said: “We face challenges in our food business and we have lots to do to change, fast. Stuart is an excellent addition to our team. He gets food retailing and he has first class experience of driving change in big food retailers. At M&S we need to sharpen our prices, improve our products, drive profitability and grow market share – Stuart is the right leader to get on and deliver these changes.”
On his arrival, Machin will also be working closely with Sharry Cramond, M&S’s newly appointed food marketing director. M&S said his appointment will further strengthen its top team, which includes McDonald and chief finance officer designate Humphrey Singer who will join the retailer later this year.
As a result of Machin’s appointment, Andy Adcock, director of food, will leave the company at the end of April. Rowe added: “I’d like to sincerely thank Andy for his significant contribution to M&S over the last nine years and wish him well for the future.”
