Mark & Spencer appoints FMCG leader as non-executive director
Marks & Spencer has appointed Fiona Dawson, the global president of Mars Food, as a non-executive director.
Due to take up her position on 25 May, she is part of the Mars Incorporated leadership team.
Dawson joined Mars as a graduate trainee and now holds one of the most senior roles in the company. Her previous leadership positions within the business have included president of global retail and Mars Chocolate UK and European marketing vice president.
Archie Norman, M&S chairman said: “We operate a highly engaged board committed to the transformation of M&S, one of the UK’s most loved brands, and Fiona is another very strong addition to our team. She comes from the Mars school of management and the culture and commercial dynamism that goes with that. She has turned around businesses, run and built factories and understands what is required to drive change. As a former president of the IGD, and through leading a major supplier, she knows the UK and global food retail industry better than anyone. She has operated at the cutting edge of consumer marketing and her background is in growing iconic, heritage brands.”
He added: “As a business leader Fiona has been a trail blazer as the first ever female general manager at Mars UK, helping steer not just Mars but also the broader food industry through challenging health and regulatory issues. Fiona has epitomised the Mars’ culture of driving growth with a strong moral compass. Her focus on coupling societal change with performance, underpinned by a strong corporate culture, make her a superb fit for Marks & Spencer.”
On taking up her board position, she will also join the nominations committee.
Dawson’s hiring follows on from the appointment of former BUPA chief executive Evelyn Bourke as a non-executive director earlier this year.
