A former CEO at boohoo Group plc has agreed to join M&S.
John Lyttle will succeed Richard Price as the managing director of clothing, home & beauty at the retail giant. He will join the business on 3rd March and spend his first month in stores and supply chain.
He will then have a month-long handover with Price, who will leave M&S on 30th April.
Price, who has performed the role since 2020, will pursue a portfolio career following a handover period.
Lyttle spent five years at boohoo and nine years at Primark as COO. He has also held trading roles at Matalan and Arcadia.
Lyttle was succeeded at fast fashion giant boohoo by Dan Finley after announcing his decision to step down in October.
In other leadership changes at M&S, Maddy Evans, currently director of womenswear, will take on a broader role including lingerie, becoming director of M&S Woman.
David Brittain, Amazon Fashion business development director for Europe, will join M&S as director of home & beauty at the end of April, taking over from Heidi Woodhouse, who will leave the business.
Brittain has also served in other executive roles at Amazon, while he has experience at Christian Dior and John Lewis.
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“Thanks to Richard’s leadership, the clothing, home & beauty business is now on a much stronger footing with improved product,” said Stuart Machin, CEO at M&S.
“Style perceptions have increased consistently and our lead on quality and value has extended, driving growth in sales and market share. Richard leaves the business as a long-standing friend of M&S and we wish him the very best.
“That said, there remains much to do and so much opportunity in this next phase of our plan to reshape M&S for future growth. Changes underway to embed strategic sourcing partnerships, a modern planning platform and an efficient logistics network are nascent and there is lots to do to develop a truly omnichannel clothing, home & beauty business.
“I’m delighted to welcome John to M&S. He brings extensive experience in driving strong volume-based growth and supply chain transformation across store-based and pureplay retailers. His down-to-earth leadership style fits with our sleeves rolled up, ‘tell it as it is’ culture, and I know he will be a brilliant colleague to work with.
“David Brittain is a great addition to the leadership team with a strong track record across fashion, home & beauty in stores and online.
“I am confident that this team will bring the fresh perspective, energy and drive required to up the pace and scale of change in this next phase of transformation.”
Lyttle commented: “M&S is somewhere I have always wanted to work, and it is a real privilege to join the clothing, home & beauty business at a time when there is both so much momentum and opportunity. I can’t wait to get started.”
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