Marks & Spencer chief digital and technology officer Rachel Higham is stepping down from her role, Retail Week can reveal.
Higham, who joined Marks & Spencer in June last year to drive technology transformation, has decided to take a career break.
Her departure follows – but is unrelated to – a cyber attack on the retailer. Chief executive Stuart Machin paid tribute to her key role in helping M&S navigate the crisis.
M&S veteran Sacha Berendji, who has been M&S chief recovery officer since the attack, will now be responsible for the digital and technology function while retaining responsibility for property and store development.
Retail director Thinus Keeve, who joined M&S as retail director in June, reporting to Berendji, will now report to Machin.
In an internal memo seen by Retail Week, Machin wrote: “Having steered the digital and technology team through a challenging six months, Rachel Higham has decided to take a break and is stepping back from her role.
“Rachel has been a valued part of the leadership team since joining, building a strengthened digital and technology function, playing a key role over recent months, and laying foundations for the future through the Evolution digital and technology strategy.
“Rachel has been a steady hand and calm head at an extraordinary time for the business, and we wish her well for the future.”
He said Berendji had worked “hand in glove” with Higham and the digital and tech team and “has an in-depth understanding of the business, our systems and tech stack”.
Machin said: “Under Sacha’s leadership, I am confident that we will accelerate the digital and technology plan and ensure we are set up to deliver our biggest and best-ever Christmas peak.”
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