M&S reshapes grocery team in ‘full shop’ push

M&S has raided food giant Asda and wine specialist Bibendum to increase its bench strength in ambient lines.

The appointments, combined with the opening of a new ambient distribution centre, are expected to enable M&S to broaden and strengthen its range, especially ambient, and so encourage customers to do a full shop – the business has sometimes suffered from the perception that it is a convenience, ready-meal specialist.

Lizzy Massey will join M&S in the new year as head of trading for ambient. She is vice president of non-edible Grocery at Asda, where she has been for six years, and previously held a variety of roles at FMCG group Nestlé. 

An M&S spokesperson said: “Lizzy’s wealth of experience will be a real asset to us and it’s great to have her joining. She will be a brilliant addition to our food leadership group.”

Next April, Andrew Shaw, currently buying director at Bibendum,  will join M&S as head of trading for beers, wine and spirits. He has been at Bibendum for eight years and formerly worked in Waitrose’s wine team. “Andrew has a deep knowledge and expertise in BWS,” the spokesperson said.

M&S’ relief head of trading for ambient Clare Atack will move into a new role in the commercial leadership team, “which reflects her excellent contribution to M&S Foods”, and Michael Andrews, who has been leading the ambient non-food team, will move to “a new strategic role” as head of commercial operations.

The changes come as M&S pushes on with its transformation strategy, which in food has included the launch of a joint venture with Ocado and the introduction of the ‘ReMarksable value’ range.