Marks & Spencer has announced that Ronan Dunne, a non-executive director on the board, will be stepping down from the role, effective from 1 December.

He has served as a non-executive member of the board since August 2022 and currently serves as the chairman for Six Nations Rugby.

Archie Norman, chairman of M&S said: “Ronan has been a great colleague and member of the M&S Board over the past few years. He has brought professionalism and energy as well as experience of people and technological transformation.

“He has always had a passion for early-stage businesses and tells me that is where he wants to spend his time. So he goes with our best wishes and will always remain a member of the M&S family.”

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Dunne said: “It has been a pleasure to be part of the M&S Board and support the Reshaping for Growth strategy. Now, as the strategy enters the next phase, it’s the right time for me to step back.

“It also means I can devote more time to supporting early-stage growth businesses, which I’m passionate about, while continuing to cheer the M&S team on from the side lines.”

The news comes after the high-street retailer appointed British Airways CEO and chair as a non-executive director on the board as it aims to strengthen its leadership amid the transformation plan.

Additionally, M&S extended Norman’s tenure as chairman for another three years.