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Retailer Marks and Spencer has appointed John Hunt as its new chief digital and technology officer.
Hunt joins the business from Woolworths Australia, where he worked as chief information officer for nine years.
He has more than 30 years of retail industry experience leading technology teams across Australia and South Africa.
Hunt will lead the company’s digital, data and technology division, taking over the remit from Sacha Berendji.
Berendji will remain on the executive committee until April 2027 to manage the property and store development function.
Hunt will spend his first four weeks working inside stores to understand the business operations before completing the leadership handover.
Hunt said: “I’m really looking forward to joining M&S and bringing my passion for both retail and technology to what is an incredibly exciting transformation. M&S is a brand that is admired the world over and I can’t wait to get started.”
Stuart Machin, chief executive, added: “Sacha is a loyal, hardworking, trusted colleague and one of the most company-minded people I’ve had the pleasure to work with. All of us at M&S turn to him for advice, support and that extra bit of wisdom. He will remain a part of the M&S family forever. Everyone at M&S offers a heartfelt thank you to Sacha, and a warm welcome to John.”
Berendji concluded: “M&S runs through my blood and has done for more than 32 years. It’s the best brand in the country and in my view the best retailer in the world. I think the leadership and the clarity of our strategy is stronger now than it has ever been and I’m very confident about the future of M&S. I remain focused on delivering our priorities as we still have so much to do! I will be cheering on Stuart and the team in the years ahead.”
