Marks & Spencer has promoted James Munson as international retail director as it plans to build operations in India, which is seen as a key growth market.

Munson, who will report to international managing director Paul Friston, will focus on driving growth across M&S’ owned, joint-venture and franchise partnerships.

Munson was previously managing director of M&S’ Indian business and is succeeded in that role by Ritesh Mishra, formerly head of operations and property in India.

The appointments come as the retailer, whose Indian operation is run as a joint venture with Reliance Retail, bolsters its omnichannel proposition in the country. 

M&S has 90 shops in India – a 50% increase over the last five years – and recently launched its app in the country, as well as trading on marketplaces such as Ajio and Myntra.

M&S said Mishra’s promotion represented a “local-first” approach as it implements a similar omnichannel strategy to the UK.

Munson said: “In his new role, Ritesh will be responsible for leading and accelerating the growth and success of our India operations. With his strong leadership, M&S will continue to remain the consumer-focused retailer that we are, always keeping customers at the heart of everything we do.”

Partnerships and a multi-platform approach are central to M&S’ international ambitions. In the first half of last year, the retailer’s international division generated sales of £435.3m and operating profit before adjusted items rose from £19.7m to £35.9m.

Performance was helped by the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions in India and Ireland

M&S aims to double its international online business over the next three years. In the first half, international online sales increased 142% versus 2019/20 and India performed strongly.

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