Argos has raided Marks & Spencer to poach Adam Archer who will take up the newly created role of head of commercial transformation.

He will be responsible for “bringing to life the strategic vision for Argos to be a digital retail leader”, Argos said.

Archer, who worked at M&S’s Chinese operation before returning to the UK business, will report to Argos commercial director David Robinson and be in charge of leading the information systems (IS) transformation programme in the retailer’s trading team.

He has formerly worked for retailers including Arcadia, Miss Selfridge and Oasis.

Robinson said: “This role is critical to our transformation plans for our buying teams and we are delighted to welcome Adam to the business.

“Our product based strategies are critical to our growth plans, which means offering customers more choice, available faster, and extending our reach by offering a more universally appealing offer, including extended ranges of branded and own brand product.

“Adam’s experience within this area will be critical as we invest in our IS infrastructure across the business to join channels and improve the digital shopping experience for our customers.”

Archer is the latest appointment to Argos’s leadership team as managing director John Walden overhauls the retailer. Other recent arrivals include Bertrand Bodson as digital director and head of digital innovation Neil Tinegate.

Argos parent Home Retail Group issues interim results on Wednesday.