Marks & Spencer boss pledges support to Be Inspired campaign

Rowe, who succeeded Marc Bolland as chief executive of the high-street bellwether in April, said he was “honoured” to be asked to be an ambassador for the “great campaign”.

He added: “I’ve been inspired by many leaders throughout my career and we are passionate about promoting diversity, our values and inspiring behaviour at M&S. We know it works: inspired colleagues always means happier customers and a stronger business.”

“…we are passionate about promoting diversity, our values and inspiring behaviour at M&S…”

Steve Ross, chief executive of Marks & Spencer

Last month it was revealed that retail chiefs from three of the UK’s largest grocers had thrown their weight behind the campaign.

Tesco UK and Ireland chief executive officer Matt Davies, Waitrose managing director Rob Collins and The Co-operative Group chief executive Richard Pennycook are among the high-profile men to have pledged their support.

Cross-industry support

SuperGroup boss Euan Sutherland and Debenhams chairman Sir Ian Cheshire have also become ambassadors of Be Inspired, joining a host of high-flying females already announced as ambassadors earlier this year.

The campaign, which launched back in March, was created with the aim of inspiring and promoting the careers of successful female retail leaders and has since garnered huge support across the industry.