Sir Stuart to launch M&S lectures at university

MARKS & Spencer chief Sir Stuart Rose is to headline a series of lectures at the University of Leeds.

The lectures will celebrate the links between the university and Marks & Spencer, which has seen the launch of the high street chain’s 125th anniversary exhibition.

There are also plans to move M&S’s archive to a purpose-built location in the city.

Sir Stuart, M&S’s executive chairman, said: “Our partnership with the University of Leeds plays an important role in M&S’s 125th anniversary celebration.

“We began our life as a market stall here in 1884 so have much to thank the city of Leeds for – this insightful series of lectures will help us demonstrate just that.”

M&S directors are set to deliver other lectures on the company.

Professor Michael Arthur, vice chancellor at the University of Leeds, said: “Over our 105-year history, influential figures from the worlds of the arts, medicine, science and business have lectured at the university.

“This forthcoming lecture series continues that tradition in great style.”

Sir Stuart, who stands down as executive chairman next year, will start the series of lectures on September 16.

The lectures are open to the public and free to attend.