Marks and Spencer (M&S) has announced the appointment of Rachel Higham as chief digital and technology officer and Mark Lemming as managing director of international.

Higham, who starts her new role later this year, joins the retailer from the communications company WPP where she is currently chief information officer.

Prior to joining WPP, Higham was managing director for IT at BT Group and managing director for Asia in BT’s technology division. She has also held senior digital and technology roles at Vodafone, ACE Group and in the banking sector.

Lemming has been promoted from his current role as clothing and home supply chain and logistics director, beginning his new role in the next financial year.

Lemming and Higham will both sit on the executive committee.

“These two new leadership appointments reflect the importance of digital and technology and capital-light International growth to the next phase of our transformation,” said Stuart Machin, chief executive at M&S. “As I set out at our recent Capital Markets Day, we have more to do in both of these areas and so much opportunity.

“Rachel and Mark are a fantastic addition to the executive team and I am confident that, with their leadership, we will accelerate the pace of change in the business as we reshape M&S for growth.”

Last week, M&S said it would cut the prices of around 65 items by an average of six per cent as well as extend a price look on over 100 popular products until after Easter.

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