A senior member of Marks & Spencer’s dotcom team has left to join Australian retailer target.

Peter Mitchley-Hughes, Marks & Spencer’s head of M&S.com business development, will join Target next month as ecommerce general manager.

Mitchley-Hughes, who reported to M&S.com boss David Walmsley, most recently project-managed changes necessary as the retailer switched from Amazon to its own platform.

The successful completion of the project in part prompted Mitchley-Hughes to seek new opportunities, it is understood.

He will not be directly replaced at M&S. Any business development needs at M&S.com will fall within the remit of head of digital labs Kyle McGinn.

An M&S spokeswoman said: “We would like to thank Pete for his contribution to the business, particularly his most recent role in the launch of the new M&S.com platform. We wish him the very best for his new adventure in Australia.”

Mitchley-Hughes is the latest UK retailer to head down under to Target, where boss Stuart Machin – formerly of Asda – is revitalising the business.

Other recent appointments at Target include former Tesco clothing director Richard Jones and former Tesco commercial director Kanaiya Parekh.

Search firm Clarity placed Mitchley-Hughes at Target.