M&S picks chief of factory outlets

Marks & Spencer has appointed a new head of its factory outlets division as it continues to expand.

Mark Ashman, area manger for the Southwest at present, will take up the post in August. His previous roles have included head of selling for womenswear.

Ashman will replace Michael Stanier, who has been made European retail director at Timberland.

M&S has signed two more outlet properties, taking the total to 15.

The new shops will be a 900 sq m premises at Dalton Park in County Durham, and an 875 sq m store at the Yorkshire Outlet Village, Doncaster.