British retailer M&S unveils changes to its leadership team. John Lyttle, former CEO of Boohoo Group, will be joining M&S as Managing Director of Clothing, Home and Beauty. Maddy Evans, Director of Womenswear, will take on a broader role including Lingerie, becoming Director of M&S Woman. David Brittain will join M&S as Director of Home and Beauty from Amazon where he is Business Development Director, Amazon Fashion, Europe.

M&S

There is a lot of movement in the leadership board at British retailer M&S as it looks to rev up business and increase revenue. John Lyttle, formerly CEO of Boohoo Group, will be joining M&S as Managing Director of Clothing, Home  and Beauty on 3 March. Expectations are high as John Lyttle has extensive experience in fashion retail. Currently CEO of Boohoo Group, he has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and expansion, leveraging his expertise in operations, supply chain management, and strategic leadership. Before joining Boohoo in 2019, Lyttle held key leadership positions at Primark, where he served as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing global operations. 

Maddy Evans, Director of Womenswear, will take on a broader role including Lingerie, becoming Director of M&S Woman. Charlotte Davies, Director of Lingerie, will report into Maddy with immediate effect. With a keen eye for design, she plays a crucial role in shaping M&S’s womenswear collections, ensuring they align with market trends while maintaining the brand’s quality and accessibility. Before joining M&S, Evans held senior positions at Topshop, where she was instrumental in curating collections that appealed to a diverse customer base. Her expertise in product development, buying, and brand strategy continues to drive M&S’s womenswear division forward, reinforcing its position as a leading name in high-street fashion.

David Brittain will be joining M&S as Director of Home and Beauty at the end of April from Amazon where he is currently Business Development Director, Amazon Fashion, Europe. Prior roles include Commercial Director, UK and Ireland, for Parfums Christian Dior and buying roles in Furniture and Premium Beauty at John Lewis and Partners.

“Thanks to Richard’s leadership, the Clothing, Home and Beauty business is now on a much stronger footing with improved products. Style perceptions have increased consistently and our lead on quality and value has extended, driving growth in sales and market share,” says Stuart Machin, CEO, “Richard leaves the business as a long-standing friend of M&S and we wish him the very best.”

Per WWD: ‘Under Price, M&S brought Sienna Miller, Bella Freud and Kelly Hoppen on board for clothing and home collaborations, helped diversify the denim offer, and sharpened the seasonal menswear and womenswear collections to compete with the best of the high street brands.’

John Lyttle is optimistic: “M&S is somewhere I have always wanted to work, and it is a real privilege to join the Clothing, Home and Beauty business at a time when there is both so much momentum and opportunity. I can’t wait to get started.”

“There remains much to do and so much opportunity in this next phase of our plan to reshape M&S for future growth,” says Stuart Machin. “Changes underway to embed strategic sourcing partnerships, a modern planning platform and an efficient logistics network are nascent and there is lots to do to develop a truly omnichannel Clothing, Home and Beauty business.”

Brand History

M&S was founded in 1884 when Michael Marks, a Polish-Jewish immigrant, opened a market stall in Leeds, England, under the slogan “Don’t ask the price, it’s a penny.” In 1894, he partnered with Thomas Spencer, a former cashier, leading to the formation of Marks & Spencer. The company quickly grew, opening permanent stores across the UK. By the 1920s, M&S pioneered the concept of quality and affordability, emphasising British-made products. During the 1930s and 1940s, the retailer expanded significantly, focusing on high-quality, reasonably priced clothing and food, a strategy that defined its early success.

M&S

M&S pioneered the concept of quality and affordability

The 1960s and 1970s marked M&S’s golden era, as it became a household name, known for its own-brand clothing, food innovation, and customer service. The company introduced ready-to-wear fashion, high-quality food, and was among the first UK retailers to ban artificial colours and flavourings in its food products. However, by the 1990s, competition from fast-fashion retailers and supermarket chains led to a decline in market dominance. A failure to adapt to changing consumer preferences, along with operational inefficiencies, resulted in declining sales, prompting M&S to revamp its strategy.

Since the 2000s, M&S has undergone restructuring and modernisation, embracing online shopping, sustainability and food innovation. The company invested in e-commerce, collaborations with Ocado, and store refurbishments. Its clothing division faced challenges, but recent leadership changes and digital-first strategies have helped regain traction. M&S’s focus on ethical sourcing, sustainability, and expansion into international markets has strengthened its position in a competitive retail environment. Today, the British retailer continues to evolve, balancing its heritage with modern retail demands.

5 Key Milestones of Marks & Spencer

1. 1884: Marks & Spencer began as a small market stall in Leeds, established by Michael Marks. In 1894, he partnered with Thomas Spencer, creating the foundation for what would become one of the UK’s most iconic retailers.

2. 1926: M&S officially became a publicly traded company on the London Stock Exchange, marking a major step in its expansion and setting the stage for decades of growth and innovation.

3. 1957: M&S introduced self-service in its food halls, revolutionising the customer experience and paving the way for supermarket-style retail in the UK.

4. 1973: Expanding beyond the UK, M&S opened its first international store in France, marking the beginning of its global presence and influence in the retail sector.

5. 2007: M&S introduced “Plan A,” a sustainability program aimed at making the company carbon-neutral, reducing waste, and promoting ethical sourcing.