M&S appoints former WHSmith man Alan Stewart as chief finance officer

He replaces Ian Dyson and will join Marks & Spencer by the end of October.

Stewart, 50, joins from aircraft leasing company AWAS but was group finance director of bookseller and stationer WHSmith from 2005 until 2008. There, M&S said, “he played a key role in delivering the group’s improved performance.”

He has also previously worked for travel firm Thomas Cook and bank HSBC.

Marks & Spencer chief executive Marc Bolland said: “Alan has an impressive track record and will be joining us with extensive experience of retail and other highly competitive industries.”

Stewart said: “M&S is one of the UK’s strongest retail brands. I’m delighted to be joining and returning to the retail sector.”