British retailer Marks and Spencer (LON:MKS) has hired the chief executive of Halfords (LON:HFD) to revive its clothing, beauty and homeware business.
Having previously been at fast food chain McDonald’s and now at Halfords, Jill McDonald will join M&S in Autumn and will have responsibility for all non-food business.
The search for a new boss comes after Steve Rowe stepped up and took the place of chief executive last year. The British retailer had initially approached Christos Angelides, the former Next (LON:NXT) boss, but he chose to sign up with Reiss.
Since becoming the chief executive, Rowe said that reviving the struggling womenswear was his “number one priority” after the chain has struggled to increase clothing sales over the past years amid tough competition from across the high street.
“I am pleased with the progress we have made in clothing & home over the last year and the time is now right for this appointment,” Rowe said.
“Jill’s first-class customer knowledge and great experience in running dynamic, high-achieving teams make her exactly the right person to lead this all-important part of our business from a recovery into growth.” he added.
McDonald said: “M&S has a unique, special relationship with its customers and I am very motivated by working closely with customers to drive and shape results. I have long been an M&S customer and professional fan, so working with the brand was a career opportunity that I just couldn’t turn down.”
McDonald will remain at Halfords until the end of her notice period in October. Halfords will report its full years on May 25. M&S will report on May 12.
Chairman of Halfords, Dennis Millard, said: “We are grateful to Jill for the positive impact she has made across the business.”
M&S shares were about one percent lower in early trading.