Marks & Spencer announces planned leadership evolution
Marks & Spencer has announced that its co-chief executive Katie Bickerstaffe will retire from her role after its AGM in July as part of a planned leadership evolution.
Bickerstaffe was appointed to the role alongside Stuart Machin in March 2022 after the previous chief executive Steve Rowe stood down. While Machin took responsibility for the daily leadership of the business and the executive committee, Bickerstaffe looked after the omnichannel, digital and data functions. Prior to that, she served as a non-executive director and co-chief operating officer at the business.
Following her departure, Bickerstaffe will be focusing on her board career.
M&S said in a statement: “Having helped see through that leadership change, the strengthening of the management team and a marked improvement in the performance of the business, she (Bickerstaffe) will move on to take other board roles in line with the original transition plan.”
Bickerstaffe said: “I took on the co-CEO role to support Stuart as he succeeded to chief executive officer and because of my love for the brand and my determination to see the transformation of M&S through to the next stage.
“We have built a strong team, made great progress, and it is now right that the business and function heads report directly to Stuart. I will leave with great memories and a strong sense of achievement.”
