Former Marks & Spencer boss Marc Bolland is set to join investment group Blackstone, to lead its European private equity arm. 

Bolland, who left M&S in April, will join Blackstone in September.  

He is the latest in a string of retailers to transfer to private equity. Former Sainsbury’s boss Justin King took up a position at Terra Firma last year, while Bolland’s predecessor Stuart Rose advises Bridgepoint.  

Bolland spent six years at M&S, before being succeeded by Steve Rowe, and previously ran Morrisons.  

Blackstone global head of private equity Joe Baratta said Bolland had had “an outstanding career leading and developing international businesses”.

He added: “I am sure he will add great value to our current and future portfolio businesses.”