Today in retail: M&S ends week with heavyweight hire

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M&S dominated the headlines for the third day running today by unveiling its new chairman – ex-Asda boss Archie Norman.

After its shock-hire of Halfords’ Jill McDonald to head up its fashion arm on Wednesday, and the launch of a radically divergent marketing campaign on Thursday, today’s appointment came as less of a surprise.

As Hobbycraft chairman and a former MP for Tunbridge Wells, Norman’s enviable CV and retail experience makes him a worthy candidate to assist chief executive Steve Rowe in steering M&S through turbulent waters.

But he knows there’s a lot of work to be done to revive the high-street stalwart.

Burberry

Elsewhere, on the tempestuous fashion beat, Burberry is transferring 300 head office staff to a new base in Leeds in an effort to cut costs.

The luxury mac maker said its new Yorkshire quarters, due to open in October, would generate “significant savings” by allowing it to reduce its office space requirements in London.

Sports Direct

A conspicuous departure from the Sports Direct board has also raised a few eyebrows.

Non-executive director Claire Jenkins – the board’s only female member – suddenly resigned with immediate effect, in the year shareholders twice tried to oust chairman Keith Hellawell.

Quote of the day

“I am looking forward to taking on the role of the chairmanship of Marks & Spencer as the business under Steve Rowe’s leadership faces into the considerable challenges ahead in a rapidly changing retail landscape.”

Archie Norman commenting on his new appointment