M&S turns to Primark to appoint fashion commercial director

Marks & Spencer has appointed Jon Rolls to the position. he joins from Primark, where he was group director of planning and space.

Alongside clothing and home boss John Lyttle, Rolls “will play a key role in unlocking commercial opportunities and driving operational excellence across M&S’ end-to-end supply chain.”

M&S is in the process of transforming its fashion, home and beauty supply chain. So far it has started consolidating its supplier base and creating cost efficiencies by investing in new warehouse capacity.

The retailer said the focus now is on “a full restructuring of the end-to-end operation” including the roll-out of a new merchandise and range management system, increased logistics automation to support profitable online growth, and strengthening the resilience and flexibility of the supply base.

Lyttle said: “I’m delighted to welcome Jon. His experience in driving operational change and commercial growth in fast-paced retail environments will be invaluable as we reshape our supply chain for growth and build a more agile, customer-focused business.”

Rolls will join M&S in the fourth quarter of its current financial year. As well as Primark, which he joined in 2011 and where he held various roles, he brings experience from New Look. He began his retail career through M&S’ graduate programme.