Marks & Spencer (M&S) has appointed Andrew Hicks as its new marketing director for M&S Food, due to join the business on 1 September 2025.

Hicks brings over two decades of international marketing experience to the role, having most recently served as chief marketing officer at Australia’s Woolworths Group for seven years.

His track record includes senior positions across food and liquor, with a focus on customer experience, brand transformation, and growth.

The move reunites Hicks with M&S Food managing director Alex Freudmann, with whom he previously worked at Woolworths.

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The appointment comes as the high street retailer looks to further cement its position as a trusted food destination, with a focus on improving quality, value and innovation.

The hire is also comes as part of a wider talent refresh across the business as it accelerates its transformation strategy.

Hicks replaces Sharry Cramond, who earlier this year moved into a newly created role leading marketing for M&S Fashion, Home & Beauty under Managing Director John Lyttle.

Meanwhile, Kevin Bennett is set to formally begin his new role as M&S Food logistics director and Gist CEO on 7 July.

Having played a key role in modernising supply chain operations for the company’s fashion, home & beauty, Bennett is now to lead on transforming the retailer’s food logistics network to support future growth.

The retailer added that changes were designed to ensure the right leadership is in place to support its ambition of becoming a “shopping list” retailer, consistently top of mind for quality, innovation and everyday value.