Marks & Spencer has announced that John Dixon, executive director, general merchandise, has decided to leave the business to "pursue career opportunities outside of the company”, taking on the role of chief executive at an as-yet unnamed business. He will step down from the board with immediate effect and leave the company on a date to be agreed. The current executive director for food, Steve Rowe, will take on responsibility for general merchandise and Andy Adcock, currently Trading Director, Food, will step up to be Director of Food, reporting to Marc Bolland on an interim basis.
Mr Rowe has been with M&S for over 26 years, starting his career in store management and has significant experience having worked in many areas of M&S with roles in food, retail, general merchandise and e-commerce.
M&S said that he has been "instrumental in ensuring that M&S has maintained its specialist positioning and continued to outperform in a challenging market”.
Commenting on the announcement, Robert Swannell, chairman, said: "On behalf of the board, I would like to thank John for his service over many years and his many contributions to the business in that time. I am delighted that Steve has been appointed to head up general merchandise and wish him every success in his new role.”
Marc Bolland, CEO, said: "On behalf of the team and all our colleagues at M&S, I would like to thank John for his contribution to the business. I am delighted to appoint Steve to the role of executive director, general merchandise. Steve has outstanding experience working across the business and is well placed to take the General Merchandise business forward. I look forward to continuing to work closely with him.”
John Dixon said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed many happy and successful years at M&S. I now have the opportunity to become a chief executive and have therefore resigned from this great company. I wish it, and all my colleagues, every continued success."