Marks and Spencer (M&S) has announced two new appointments to work in its food business.

Kara Greatorex joins the company as chief commercial officer. She takes on the role from Paul Friston, who will leave in October this year after working for the firm for almost 28 years.

Prior to joining M&S, Greatorex worked at Aldi for over 15 years. Her most recent role at the discount supermarket was as managing director, ecommerce and transformation.

In comments to The Grocer, Greatorex said: "It’s a retailer I’ve always loved and admired and having the opportunity to be a part of the ongoing transformation is fantastic."

M&S Food managing director Alex Freudmann told the outlet: “I’m delighted that Kara has agreed to join M&S Food. She brings deep commercial experience in buying, store operations, marketing and transformation.

M&S has also hired Jon Downes as supply chain and commercial operations director. Downes. He joins the firm from Morrisons, where he worked for eight years and held the role of commercial director ambient and non-food. Prior to this, he worked at Tesco in a variety of positions for 14 years.

Separately, M&S also announced that Fiona Dawson has been appointed as chair of the company’s remuneration committee.

Earlier this week, M&S announced the opening of two new flagship stores in Bristol and Bath. The stores will be located in the centre of the respective cities and secure the long term future of the brand in the South West.

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