M&S appoints new stores director of West division

M&S has appointed Ikea’s UK&I country deputy retail manager Marsha Smith as the new stores director of the West division. 

Smith, who will take up the new role in September, has worked for Ikea since 2004 in various roles, including becoming president of the Canadian arm. She was also responsible for driving Ikea’s expansion and leading retail transformation programmes. 

M&S recently announced that it is focusing on investing more than £30m into modernising and expanding its London stores, with the retailer also having appointed Alison Dolan as the new chief financial officer last month. 

Commenting on her upcoming appointment on LinkedIn, Smith said: “Having had twenty amazing years with a brand I adore, I’m delighted to share I am fortunate to join another! In September I will join Marks and Spencer in the role of Stores Director, West. 

“My family and I love popping into M&S at the weekend, the quality, experience and gorgeous range always makes our weekend feel extra special. Extremely lucky to have the opportunity to build further on the amazing work so far and to support continued growth by ensuring we delight every single customer.”