Marks & Spencer has drafted in the former boss of Tesco Clubcard, Andrew Mann, as its new head of insight and customer loyalty.

Mann, who left his most recent role as vice president of insight, pricing and digital CRM at Asda last spring, joins at a crucial time in M&S’ transformation plan, centred on technological and digital innovation.

He is expected to work closely with Jeremy Pee, who was appointed as the high street bellwether’s first ever chief digital and data officer last September. 

Pee has been taksed with transforming M&S’ digital capabilities and driving digital innovation within the business.

Mann is also likely to be working closely with Starcount, the company formed by Clubcard founders Edwina Dunn and Clive Humby, which partnered with M&S last year to ramp up the retailer’s personalisation push.

Mann became Tesco’s Clubcard director in 2004 following stints at Cadbury Schweppes Beverages, Coca-Cola and British Gas in his early career.

He spent almost five years in charge of the grocer’s loyalty scheme, before joining big four rival Sainsbury’s as director of insight and loyalty in February 2009.

Mann joined the Co-op in July 2013 as group customer data director, before joining Asda in September 2016.

An M&S spokesman said: “We are delighted Andrew has joined M&S to work with Jeremy Pee in establishing our digital and data function.”

His arrival comes as M&S increases its focus on technology and digital as part of boss Steve Rowe’s five-year transformation plan.

The retailer has struck a partnership with Microsoft, launched a data science academy in partnership with Decoded and launched a start-up incubator programme alongside Founders Factory.