The pair will become joint chief operating officers, reporting to chief executive Steve Rowe. 

M&S said that the changes reflected its shift to a new phase of transformation, leaving the “fixing the basics” phase and ready to “reinvest in the brand and restore growth”.

In her new role Bickerstaffe, who has led the MS2 digital programme, will be in charge of data, services, the clothing and home division and international businesses – which are primarily also clothing and home.