M&S poaches Morrisons director for head of retail operations role

M&S has appointed a new director of retail operation as current director Peter Line prepares to retire from full-time work after 40 years at the business.

Jayne Wall will be joining the company’s retail operations department as director of central store operations from this August, replacing Line who is understood to be taking up a role later this summer at Woolworths in South Africa, acting as the relationship manager between the two businesses.

Wall joins the retailer from Morrisons where he worked for over 14 years, holding a variety of positions, including two operations director roles.

Wall said: “I am very proud to be joining M&S, the UK’s most trusted brand and can see the great progress the team have made under Stuart’s leadership.

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“I am looking forward to being part of that high performing team and bringing all my stores experience to support the business’ ambitious growth plans. I’m particularly excited about bringing my passion for developing frontline talent to this amazing brand and supporting M&S to be the best place in town to work and shop.”

M&S operations director Sacha Berendji said: “We’re delighted to have Jayne joining us and she comes at an exciting time for M&S as we go faster on our plan to bring our bigger, better and brighter stores to more customers.

“At the heart of our strategy to reshape M&S, brilliant stores are how we offer our customers the best experience however and wherever they choose to shop with us, and Jayne’s experience and new ideas around great service, in store execution and developing talent, will be a great addition to the team.”

“We also wish Peter the absolute best in his new role after an incredible 40 years with M&S and look forward to working with him in his new role at Woolworths in South Africa, continuing the long running relationship between our two businesses.”

The latest senior reshuffle follows M&S co-chief executive Katie Bickerstaffe announcing plans to step down earlier this month from her role at the upmarket retailer after two years.