M&S names new food directors ahead of £750m Ocado Partnership

Four new directors have been appointed to strengthen the senior team at Marks & Spencer’s food business before its tie-up with Ocado.

According to The Times, Tesco strategy director Pav Anand has been appointed as head of food strategy and Sainsbury’s head of technical, Lisa Raschia is now head of produce and horticulture.

Danish Crown supply chain director David Stokes has also been appointed head of sourcing, and Laurissa Kuligowski, from PwC will step into the role of commercial strategy and operations director.

The four new directors will report to George Wright, food commercial director of M&S, who joined the retailer from Tesco in April. 

Stuart Machin, food managing director at M&S, is overseeing the transformation of food division, and informed staff of the appointment in a note. He said: “We’re making good progress on our food transformation, but we know this is just the first stage of a multi-year plan.” 

As a part of the new scheme, Manchin said he has “improved prices and the supply chain to help boost sales volumes”. He has also launched new-format food halls and store designed to “better showcase M&S’s range and quality.”

Group chief executive Steve Rowe said at the time that M&S remained focused on “restoring the basics” and would not rush the transformation scheme.

Senior management also said M&S will boost its food business through the transformation plan by modernising its supply chain and lowering costs.

In May, the retailer announced a joint venture with online grocer Ocado, which is expected to go live next year. The £750m partnership will enable M&S to sell its food range online for the first time.