M&S has appointed a new managing director of food to ‘double the size of the business’, taking over from Stuart Machin, who was recently named as M&S’ new chief executive.
Alex Freudmann, currently managing director ofAustralia’s leading beer, wine and spirits retailer Dan Murphy’s, will be joining M&S on 1 November and will sit on the executive committee.
Freudmann – who has an extensive track record of leading change in some of the world’s best food and drink retailers, including Tesco, Coles and Dan Murphy’s – has spoken of his belief in the “long-term potential to double the size of the business”.
“Alex will bring a great deal of experience and passion to our business,” said Machin, who will hand the food business over to Alex on his arrival.
“He has worked in food retailing for nearly two decades and in all of his roles he’s been a change-maker – bringing intellect, pace and energy. He will be a great addition to our top team as we work together to deliver the next stage of our transformation.”
READ MORE: M&S Food profits rise by 10% as grocery market share increases
Freudmann also commented on his appointment, saying: “M&S Food is a unique and very special business with world-leading food values, and I’ve always had huge respect for the brand.
“I’ve watched how the business has been transformed over the past few years from afar. The team has done a great job of building a bigger, better food business through investing in trusted value and core categories while maintaining the outstanding quality and innovation the brand is famous for.”
He continued: “Although much has been achieved, huge opportunities remain, and I share the executive team’s belief in the long-term potential to double the size of the business.
“I am looking forward to coming back to the UK and working with a great team to accelerate the pace of change to build an even bigger, better, fresher food business.”
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