M&S appoints John Hunt as chief digital and technology officer
M&S has appointed John Hunt as chief digital and technology officer to take over responsibilities held by operations director Sacha Berendji.
Hunt is joining from Woolworths Australia, where he has been serving as chief information officer and managing director of group enablement. He has worked with the retailer in variety of senior roles for more 30 years and has extensive experience of leading D&T teams across large-scale businesses in both Australia and in South Africa.
Subscribe to TRBAt M&S, he will be taking over the digital, data and technology function from Berendji, who will be staying with M&S and remain on the executive committee until April 2027 to ensure a smooth transition, and will continue leading the property and store development function during that time.
M&S chief executive .Stuart Machin said in a post on LinkedIn: “Sacha is a loyal, hardworking, trusted colleague and one of the most company-minded people I’ve had the pleasure to work with.
“All of us at M&S turn to him for advice, support and that extra bit of wisdom. He will remain a part of the M&S family forever. Everyone at M&S offers a heartfelt thank you to Sacha, and a warm welcome to John.”
M&S said Hunt will spend his first four weeks in stores, immersing himself in the business before undertaking his handover with Berendji. It has not yet disclosed a start date for Hunt.
Berendj. said: “M&S runs through my blood and has done for more than 32 years. It’s the best brand in the country and in my view the best retailer in the world.
“I think the leadership and the clarity of our strategy is stronger now than it has ever been and I’m very confident about the future of M&S.
“I remain focused on delivering our priorities as we still have so much to do! I will be cheering on Stuart and the team in the years ahead.”
