Marks & Spencer deputy chairman Sir David Michels, who led the search for a successor to Sir Stuart Rose as chief executive, is to stand down in February 2012.

Michels will leave at the end of his second three-year term at the retailer, during which time he also supervised the appointments of a new chairman and finance director.

Marks & Spencer non-executive director Louise Patten, who has been on the board since 2006, is also leaving. She will stand down after this year’s AGM on July 13.

A search has begun for replacement non-executive board members.

Marks & Spencer chairman Robert Swannell thanked both for their contribution and said: “The appointment of new non-executive directors with an appropriate mix of experience will further strengthen and support the company’s plans.”