M&S hires former Asda chief people officer

Marks and Spencer has appointed former Asda chief people officer Hayley Tatum to the same role, effective from October 2025.

Tatum will join the retailer’s executive committee and begin a month-long induction working in stores and distribution centres.

She spent more than 14 years at Asda, most recently as chief people and corporate affairs officer. 

Before that, she held senior HR and operations roles at Tesco, World Duty Free and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Tatum’s appointment follows the planned departure of Sarah Findlater, M&S people director for the past three years and an employee of the retailer for 27 years, who will leave in the autumn.

Stuart Machin, M&S chief executive, said: “Our aim is to be the most trusted brand with a high-performance culture; Hayley joins at a critical time as we accelerate the pace of change across all of our people’s plans, attracting and developing the very best talent in the industry and rethinking engagement and performance. So, a very heartfelt thank you to Sarah and a warm welcome to Hayley.”

Findlater added: “After 27 amazing years at M&S, most recently as chief people officer, I’m moving on. It’s been a real privilege to grow through so many leadership roles and to work alongside some truly fabulous people who’ve inspired me every step of the way, and never more so than during the three months I recently spent working in stores alongside our incredible store colleagues.

“I leave the business at a high point – after three years of commercial growth, cultural transformation, and deep operational change. M&S is well set up for continued future success and Hayley Tatum MBE, I wish you the best of luck with your new role, you are going to love it.”