Marks & Spencer’s general merchandise executive director Kate Bostock is in the frame for top jobs with other retailers who are attempting to woo her away from the high street giant.

Industry sources told Retail Week that Bostock, who was seen as a potential successor to Sir Stuart Rose as chief executive of M&S, has held conversations with a number of retailers.

But Bostock told Retail Week earlier this week that she had no plans to leave M&S and that she expects still to be at the high street giant in six months’ time. She said it was “very disappointing” to be linked to speculation about other roles.

However it was reported today that Bostock was in advanced talks with Asos about a senior role.

It is said that other retailers who have sounded out Bostock include privately-owned fashion group New Look, which is on the hunt for a chief executive. Bostock distanced herself from that suggestion.

Bostock, who has been with M&S since 2004, would bring any new employer experience gained at Next and Asda’s George fashion business.

Bostock was tipped to take the top job at M&S, replacing Sir Stuart Rose, although she has said that she did not want that role, which subsequently went to former Morrisons boss Marc Bolland.

There has frequently been speculation that Bostock was considering leaving M&S.

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