Marks & Spencer snaps up property director from Asda

M&S has said Will Smith will take charge of its estate, as Retail Week earlier revealed that Helen Milford will also join the bellwether retailer from Sainsbury’s Argos, where she is director of retail.

Like Milford, he will report to M&S retail, operations and property supremo Sacha Berendji. At Asda, Smith was vice-president of real estate, facilities and market development. Before that, he was managing director of Netto, which Asda acquired.

Berendji said: “Building a store estate that’s fit for the future with industry-leading store operations and empowered colleagues is a key part of our transformation programme. We’re therefore adding two new roles to the retail, operations and property leadership team, with Will Smith joining us as our property director.

“Will’s experience spans property, strategy and general management, and he will drive forward our plans to create a store estate fit for the future. He will have accountability for every aspect of our property function, including our newly formed asset management team and extensive property portfolio.

“We are building a world-class team across M&S and I’m delighted to welcome Helen and Will to the business as we drive our transformation forward at scale and at pace.”