Marks and Spencer has announced the appointment of former Asda boss Roger Burnley as non-executive director of the board, effective from 1 December.

Burnley previously served as the former CEO and COO of supermarket retailer Asda between 2018 and 2021. He left his position ahead of schedule following the completion of its £6.8bn takeover in 2021.

Burnley also has experience working as a retail & operations director at Sainsbury’s prior to joining Asda and currently serves as a non-executive director at Pets at Home Group.

Subscribe to Grocery Gazette for free

Sign up here to get the latest grocery and food news each morning

Burnley said: “M&S is a much-loved brand which I have always admired as setting the standard in UK retail, and it is a privilege to be joining such an engaged Board.

“Much progress has been made through the Reshaping for Growth strategy, but there remains so much opportunity, and I am looking forward to supporting the leadership team to capitalise on that in the years ahead.”

Archie Norman, chairman of M&S said: “Roger brings extensive experience in the food retail industry and supply chain transformation which will be invaluable as we enter the next phase of our plan to reshape M&S for growth.

“He is a strong addition to the team, and I am delighted to welcome him to the Board.”

The news comes after the high-street retailer announced the extension of Norman’s chairman tenure for another three years.