Marks & Spencer has appointed Jeremy Pee to the new role of chief digital and data officer.
Pee, who is currently senior vice president at Canadian retailer Loblaw, will join M&S on December 3 to the lead the business strategy around the retailer’s digital capabilities and digital innovations.
He will be responsible for leveraging data and digital for the benefit of M&S’s customers, colleagues and shareholders as well as developing a digital mindset and culture across the business.
The appointment follows a series of technology-focused partnerships M&S secured with Microsoft, Founders Factory, Decoded and True as part of its five-year turnaround scheme.
Pee brings extensive experience from Loblaw, regarded Canada’s largest retailer, where he was responsible for building, operating and growing ecommerce businesses in grocery, beauty, clothing and pharmacy.
He built Loblaw’s digital capabilities, creating a large team of experts in technology, data science, digital marketing and trading.
Under his leadership, Loblaw launched a large online business and established a customer-driven culture focused on delivering great ecommerce experiences.
Prior to that, Pee was Loblaw’s vice president of corporate strategy and drove the retailer’s growth agenda.
He has also held senior roles at office supply retailer Staples as senior category merchant and corporate strategy director.
At M&S, Pee will report directly chief executive Steve Rowe and join the operating committee.
“Jeremy is an excellent addition to M&S,” Rowe said.
“He has first class experience of leading and executing retail digital transformation and growing a portfolio of ecommerce businesses.
“As we seek to become a digital-first retailer, grow market share and change our digital behaviours, mindsets and culture, he is the right leader to deliver these changes and make M&S fit for the digital age.”
Pee said: “M&S is going through a critical transformation and there’s no better time to be joining the business.
“I am looking forward to driving and shaping the digital innovation agenda.”
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