Former M&S clothing boss McDonald joins Costa Coffee

McDonald is set to take up her new role at the nationwide coffee chain, which was sold to Coca Cola at the beginning of the year, on December 2 and will replace outgoing boss Dominic Paul.

The former M&S executive was ousted from her role as the boss of the retailer’s struggling home and clothing division in July after less than two years in the role. Prior to joining M&S, McDonald was chief executive of bike retailer Halfords between 2015 and 2017.

At the time, the retailer’s chief executive Steve Rowe said M&S had “the worst availability in casual clothes I have ever seen in my life”.

In the year to March 30, M&S’ clothing sales fell 3.6%, while revenues at the division slipped 1.6% on a like-for-like basis.

President of global ventures for The Coca Cola Company, Jennifer Mann said: “[McDonald’s] track record, depth of international experience and excitement about joining our business makes her an ideal leader to build on the great work of Dominic and the rest of the Costa team.”

On her new role, McDonald said: “I have long been a fan of Costa and have watched the company grow in the UK and far beyond. I look forward to joining the Costa leadership team and building on the great foundation and growth potential in the business.”

Paul will stay on with the coffee chain as a special adviser until the end of February next year, in order to help McDonald with the transition.