Marks & Spencer’s brand director for general merchandise, Alison Jones, has quit the retailer after less than a year in post.

Jones, who was appointed to the newly created role last summer and reported to marketing supremo Steve Sharp, left M&S a week ago.

Her responsibilities will be taken up by brand director for food Rob Weston.

It is understood that Jones, daughter of Next legend Sir David, made the decision to leave because she found the job less suited to her experience and expertise than she had expected.

The appointment of Jones was part of M&S chief executive Marc Bolland’s brand strategy to better segment the retailer’s offer through a shift “from labels to brands” and emphasis on qualities such as exclusivity.

The change is part of the retailer’s push to add between £1bn and £1.5bn to UK sales by 2013/14.

Before joining M&S Jones worked for Debenhams and Arcadia.

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