South African food and clothing retailer Woolworths Holdings has appointed former Marks & Spencer chairman and chief executive Sir Stuart Rose as a non-executive director.

Woolworths said in a statement: “Sir Stuart brings strong international retail experience to the board.”

Rose left Marks & Spencer at the start of this year. Robert Swannell has taken over as chairman with Marc Bolland in place as chief executive.

Rose is also an adviser to private equity firm Bridgepoint Capital.