Today in retail: Exits from M&S, John Lewis and Dixons

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A raft of high street stalwarts, including Marks & Spencer, saw senior exits today.

M&S’ director of clothing and beauty Jo Jenkins has left the embattled retailer after just over four years for the top job at Middle England favourite White Stuff.

Her exit comes mere weeks after Jill McDonald was pedalled in from Halfords to ramp up Marks & Spencer’s flagging clothing department, and could leave the fashion newbie in a bit of a fix.

McDonald was drafted in for her track record in customer insight, but would no doubt have benefitted from Jenkins’ expertise, which included experience across lingerie, beauty and fashion.

Jenkins is not the only exit from a department store today, as the John Lewis Partnership’s group development director Tom Athron exited after 12 years with the business.

It is not known whether he has secured a new role elsewhere.

And then at Dixons Carphone today, retail director Nick Smith jumped ship to join DFS.

His departure comes hot on the heels of Paul Justice, who is leaving Dixons to join Debenhams next month, and Honeybee boss Graham Stapleton, who will succeed McDonald at the helm of Halfords next year.

Quote of the day

“She is a talented retailer who brings great customer insight, relevant product knowledge and strong store operations experience and she has a track record of developing effective supply chain relationships”

– White Stuff chair Debbie Hewitt on Jo Jenkins