Asda's ex-chief executive Roger Burnley to join Marks & Spencer board

Marks & Spencer Group PLC on Thursday announced the addition of Roger Burnley to its board as a non-executive director.

Burnley’s appointment is effective from December 1, the London-based retailer said. He will also join its Audit & Risk and Nomination Committees.

‘M&S is a much-loved brand which I have always admired as setting the standard in UK retail, and it is a privilege to be joining such an engaged board,’ Burnley said. ‘Much progress has been made through the Reshaping for Growth strategy, but there remains so much opportunity, and I am looking forward to supporting the leadership team to capitalise on that in the years ahead.’

M&S noted that Burnley, who is currently a non-executive director at Pets At Home Group PLC, was previously chief operations officer and later chief executive officer of Asda.

He served in the CEO role from 2018 to 2021, leaving earlier than previously scheduled after the British supermarket chain’s acquisition by private equity group TDR Capital, alongside British billionaires Mohsin and Zuber Issa.

His past experience also includes working as J Sainsbury PLC’s retail & operations director, before taking up the chief operating officer role at Asda in 2016, and then the role of Asda CEO in 2018.

‘Roger brings extensive experience in the food retail industry and supply chain transformation which will be invaluable as we enter the next phase of our plan to reshape M&S for growth,’ commented Chair Archie Norman. ‘He’s a strong addition to the team and I’m delighted to welcome him to the board.’

M&S shares were trading 1.5% lower at 400.40 pence on Thursday morning in London. The stock has gained 5.7% over the last 12 months.

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