M&S has announced the appointment of Sean Doyle, chairman & chief executive officer of British Airways, as a non-executive director, effective from 1 December 2025.

He brings years of experience to the role, having served in various leadership positions in the airline industry.

The move is part of the supermarket retailer’s plan to refresh its leadership on the board as it proceeds with its strategic growth initiative.

M&S chair Archie Norman said: “We are delighted to have one of the UK’s leading serving chief executives join our board. M&S is the most public of public companies, and Sean will bring great leadership and strong operating skills to M&S as we prepare for the next phase of reshaping.”

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Doyle said: “Being the CEO of Britain’s flag carrier is a very special job, as you are the custodian of a brand which is part of the fabric of the country. Not many brands can equal that, but M&S certainly can. I am privileged to be joining a board focused on ‘protecting the magic’ of the brand as it modernises the business through the Reshaping for Growth strategy and look forward to supporting the next phase.”

The news comes on the heels of Norman’s tenure as chair of M&S being extended for another three years.

M&S also appointed former Asda chief executive Roger Burnley as a non-executive director on the board.