Marks & Spencer has recruited Next’s head of digital trading Gemma Lumsden as it ramps up its efforts to turbocharge online growth.
Retail Week can reveal that Lumsden will join M&S on Monday in the newly created role of head of optimisation and analytics.
The retailer said Lumsden will be responsible for leading the analytics, website optimisation and SEO teams and will be charged with ensuring M&S.com offers “a cohesive and consistent” experience for its customers.
She will report into Stephen Langford, who joined the business as director of M&S.com in May.
Lumsden has been head of digital trading at Next since February 2019, having spent the previous three years at Holland & Barrett in a similar role.
Prior to that, she spent almost five years at George at Asda, four years at Blacks and 18 months with H Samuel owner Signet.
Lumsden’s appointment comes as part of M&S’ drive to accelerate its ecommerce performance under its ‘Never the Same Again’ strategy.
The retailer said growing its online business is a “critical” part of that plan, at a time when shoppers have shifted spending to digital channels during the coronavirus pandemic.
Langford said: “With the trend towards digital accelerated, it is critical we turbocharge M&S.com through both a strengthened and engaged in-house team and by working with the very best external partners.
“Gemma brings true digital expertise and great retail experience and this new role represents our absolute commitment to improving the customer experience on our website and ultimately driving growth.”
No comments yet