M&S has appointed Woolworths Australia’s John Hunt as its new chief digital and technology officer, with the aim of sharpening its digital, data and technology ambitions.

Hunt will take over responsibilities currently held by operations director Sacha Berendji, who will remain with M&S and stay on the executive committee until April 2027 to support the transition.

He joins from Woolworths Australia, where he has served as chief information officer and managing director of group enablement.

Hunt has spent more than 30 years at the Australian retailer, holding a range of senior roles across the business. He brings extensive experience of leading digital and technology teams across large-scale retail operations in Australia and South Africa.

M&S said Hunt will spend his first four weeks in stores to immerse himself in the business before beginning his handover with Berendji. The retailer has not yet disclosed his start date.

Berendji will continue to lead M&S’ property and store development function during the transition period.

M&S chief executive Stuart Machin said on LinkedIn: “Sacha is a loyal, hardworking, trusted colleague and one of the most company-minded people I’ve had the pleasure to work with.

“All of us at M&S turn to him for advice, support and that extra bit of wisdom. He will remain a part of the M&S family forever. Everyone at M&S offers a heartfelt thank you to Sacha, and a warm welcome to John.”

Berendji has worked at M&S for more than 32 years and said the retailer “runs through my blood”.

“It’s the best brand in the country and in my view the best retailer in the world,” he said.

“I think the leadership and the clarity of our strategy is stronger now than it has ever been and I’m very confident about the future of M&S.

“I remain focused on delivering our priorities as we still have so much to do! I will be cheering on Stuart and the team in the years ahead.”

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