Archie Norman is Marks & Spencer’s new chairman

British store chain Marks & Spencer appointed Archie Norman as its new chairman of the board. He will succeed Robert Swannell, who will step down on 1 September after seven years.

New head of clothing

“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”, Norman said in regards to his appointment.

Norman has extensive experience in the industry, with important roles at ITV, Lazard, Hobbycraft, Kingfisher and Energis. He was also British supermarket chain Asda’s CEO in the nineties.

In the meantime, Marks & Spencer continues to work on a strategy that has to get the company back on track. Part of that strategy has been to enlist Jill McDonald, former Halfords CEO and M&S’ new head of the clothing division. She has to bring the division back to its former glory, something the company has failed to do so.