Asda veteran joins high street retailer M&S
Asda veteran Archie Norman, who presided over the grocer’s turnaround and sale to Walmart in the 1990s, has been appointed to the board of M&S.
He will join the board as non-executive chairman from 1 September 2017, succeeding Robert Swannell, who will retire.
Norman, who is the only person to have been a FTSE100 chairman and an MP at the same time, has transformed brands including Kingfisher and Energis. He is an experienced chairman and board director having working at ITV, LAzard London and Hobbycraft.
He was appointed the the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy as its lead non-executive board member in 2016.
One of his greatest achievements was the turnaround of Yorkshire grocers Asda. He applied for the position of chief executive in 1991, and was with the business between then and 1999, also holding the chairman role prior to its sale to US chain Walmart.
Robert Swannell, M&S chairman, said: “I am delighted that Archie, with his deep, relevant experience is to be M&S’s next Chairman. It has been a real privilege to have served as Chairman and to have worked with so many exceptional people who are so passionate about this great business.
“With the appointment of Steve Rowe in 2016, I am confident that we have an excellent team, well-equipped to grow and strengthen the business. I wish them all the very best for the future.”
Archie Norman said: “I am looking forward to taking on the role of the Chairmanship of Marks & Spencer as the business under Steve Rowe’s leadership faces into the considerable challenges ahead in a rapidly changing retail landscape.”
Vindi Banga, Senior Independent Director, M&S, who led the selection process said:
“Having conducted a very rigorous appointment process, it was clear to us that Archie was the best person to be Chairman. Archie is one of the most respected business leaders in the UK with extensive experience as both CEO and Chair, and a proven record in retail and other areas. We are delighted he has accepted.
“I would also like to thank Robert on behalf of M&S for his great contribution and commitment to the company over the last seven years. He will be much missed and we wish him well for the future.”
