M&S expands retail, operations and property leadership team

M&S (Marks & Spencer) has added two new roles to its retail, operations and property leadership team with the appointment of Will Smith as property director and Helen Milford as retail director.

M&S said: ‘Both will report into retail, operations & property director Sacha Berendji. Whilst we have previously had retail directors and property directors, these roles are both bigger with broader remits.’

Sacha commented: “Building a store estate that’s fit for the future with industry-leading store operations and empowered colleagues is a key part of our transformation programme. We are building a world-class team across M&S and I’m delighted to welcome Will and Helen to the business as we drive our transformation forward at scale and at pace.

“Will ’s experience spans property, strategy and general management. He will have accountability for every aspect of our property function including our newly formed asset management team and extensive property portfolio.

“Helen has an outstanding track record and will be supported by two new heads of division with the right breadth and depth of experience to deliver our mission to be the best retail operator with the most engaged and empowered colleagues in UK retail.”

Will joins from Asda where he is vice president of real estate, facilities and market development, while Helen joins from JS Argos, where she is director of retail on the management board. Prior to this she held several roles across retailers including Boots and Asda. She will be supported by four heads of division: Laura Mitchell (North) and Ken Sculley (Ireland), who were recently joined by Alex Hanson (Central, from Arcadia) and Mark Henry (South, from Lidl).

M&S opened this store at Kingsley Village Shopping Park in Cornwall in October 2019