M&S appoints New Look exec to innovation director role

Marks and Spencer (M&S) has announced the appointment of Elaine Cartwright as its new stores director of innovation and implementation.

Cartwright has joined M&S from New Look where she spent over 12 years in various roles, most recently serving as its retail director UK and ROI.

Prior to her time at New Look, she was mobile manager for central London from February 2011 to September 2012 at River Island and its flagship store manager for Oxford Street London from September 2012 to September 2013.

Jayne Wall, director of central operations, said: “I’m pleased to share that Elaine Cartwright, formerly retail director UK and ROI at New Look, will join us as stores director – innovation and implementation. Elaine brings more than 20 years of senior retail experience, having led large store networks, omnichannel operations and complex transformation programmes.

“Elaine will help us raise the bar through innovating the retail operating model and transforming customer solutions, helping us to offer exceptional service all day, every day, to every customer. Elaine will spend her first month in store through Peak before formally stepping into her role in February, reporting to me. Please join us in welcoming her to M&S.”

This appointment follows the appointment of former Asda CEO Roger Burnley as a new non-executive director last month.

Alongside this, The food and fashion brand also recently extended the tenure of chairman Archie Norman for the next three years.