M&S Brand Director leaves after just 9 months
By Jon Whiteaker - 01:00PM - Mon 20th February 2012
Alison Jones has stepped down from her position as Brand Director for General Merchandise at high street giant Marks & Spencer (M&S) less than a year after joining the firm, it has been confirmed today.
Appointed last June from retail rival Arcadia, owner of Topshop & Dorothy Perkins, Jones was set the task of developing and leading the brand strategy of the company’s clothing and homeware divisions.
Her appointment followed Rob Weston and Damian Guha, Brand Director for Food and Trading Director for Home respectively, also joining the business as part of a new look management team, as CEO Marc Bolland made the evolution the M&S brands a priority of his strategy.
In response to the departure, M&S released a statement today which read: “Ali Jones has decided to step down from her role as Brand Director to pursue new career opportunities outside of Marks & Spencer.
“We thank Alison for her contribution and wish her every success in her next role.”
A focus on brands is part of Bolland’s target of adding an extra £1 billion to £1.5 billion to M&S sales in the next two years.
It is understood that Weston will now assume Jones’ responsibilities on a permanent basis, becoming Brand Director for the whole business.
Before working as Marketing Director at Arcadia, Jones also worked for fellow high street retailer Debenhams.