M&S strengthens general merchandise team

High street retailer Marks & Spencer has announced a number of changes to its general merchandise management team including the promotion of Scott Fyfe to Director of Menswear.

The changes follow the recent appointment of John Dixon as executive director of general Merchandise, with the aim that the new structure, which will be effective by end March 2013, will “realign responsibilities, ensure greater accountability and strengthen and improve the team”.

Fyfe, who has been with M&S for more than sixteen years and is currently Trading Director of Womenswear Merchandising and Planning, has been promoted to the role of Director of Menswear, while, Stephanie Chen has been confirmed as Director of Kidswear and Home.

Joining M&S from House of Fraser, Chen was most recently Executive Director across womenswear, fashion accessories and lingerie, and she will take over from Karl Doyle, currently Trading Director of Kidswear, who is stepping down from his position in March 2013 to “pursue opportunities outside the company”.

In addition, Damian Guha, currently Trading Director of Home, will continue to run the Home department until March 2013 when he will move to a new role at M&S.

John Dixon, Executive Director, said: “We are delighted to be attracting retailers like Stephanie to the General Merchandise team. Her skills and experience, combined with our considerable internal talent, will help to drive our clothing and home business forward.”

Marc Bolland, Chief Executive, added: “The appointments of Stephanie and Scott show that we are building a great team of key internal and external talent. With John and Belinda Earl, they will work together to improve our GM business.”