Marks & Spencer has bolstered its marketing team to help achieve chief executive Marc Bolland’s aim of turning some of its ‘labels into real brands’.

The retailer has appointed four heads of brands across clothing and home in its brand marketing department, who are expected to focus on ranges including Autograph and Blue Harbour. Exact responsibilities have still to be allocated.

Marks & Spencer has drafted in Victoria Franks from Kao Brands Europe, Usama Al-Qassab, who runs west European ecommerce marketing and digital innovation for Procter & Gamble and Julie Guckian, Baileys’ UK marketing manager.

Lucy Calver, M&S’s head of food marketing, also joins the new team. All will report to brand director Alison Jones.