Marks & Spencer style director Belinda Earl has stepped in to oversee the retailer’s womenswear and beauty departments on an interim basis.

Earl will shoulder the additional responsibility temporarily until a permanent replacement is found for outgoing director of clothing and beauty Jo Jenkins. 

Meanwhile, head of lingerie buying Laura Charles will head up the lingerie department, Drapers reported. 

Both Earl and Charles are taking on the roles with immediate effect, reporting into Jill McDonald — the retailer’s newly appointed clothing, home and beauty director.

Jenkins is currently working her notice ahead of joining White Stuff as chief executive this summer.  

M&S is understood to be seeking an external candidate to succeed Jenkins on a permanent basis.  

An M&S spokeswoman said: “We’ve made some interim changes to the clothing and home leadership team as we move towards Jo Jenkins leaving the company at the end of her notice period. 

“As a result, Belinda Earl will temporarily assume responsibility for leading the womenswear and beauty teams.”