Marks & Spencer has appointed Richard Price, chief executive of Tesco’s F&F fashion division, as managing director of its clothing and home division.

Price replaces Jill McDonald, who was ousted from the role earlier this year after availability and other problems hit M&S’ fashion sales. M&S chief executive Steve Rowe took personal charge of clothing in the interim period.

Rowe said: “Richard’s career spans some of the UK’s top clothing brands and he has a proven track record of delivering growth through stylish, great-value product.

“We are building a team of world-class talent in clothing and home and, with Richard coming on board, I am confident that the speed and scale of the transformation of the business will accelerate.”

Price, who has previously worked at M&S, said: “Marks & Spencer clothing and home is a great business which still has strong brand affection and huge potential.

“I left the business because I felt it was drifting in the wrong direction but now feel we have a real chance to make it special again. The new team has already started to improve product and value and I am looking forward to working with them.”

Price will join M&S next year. A start date has not yet been arranged.