M&S has recruited former Asda executive Hayley Tatum to be its new chief people officer as Sarah Findlater leaves the business after 27 years.

Tatum will join the retailer’s executive committee in October and spend her month-long induction working in its stores alongside its retail staff as well as in its distribution centres with warehouse employees.

She joins from Asda, where she has spent the last 14 years, first as its chief people officer and later as its chief people and corporate affairs officer.

Prior to that, Tatum spent more than 21 years holding various store, regional and head office roles at Tesco.

M&S chief executive Stuart Machin said in a LinkedIn post: “Today we’ve announced some changes to our people leadership team at Marks and Spencer.

“Sarah Findlater, who has been our people director for the last three years and worked at M&S for 27 years, will be leaving M&S in the autumn.

“Having worked closely with Sarah for the last three years, she has been an absolute joy to work with, an incredibly hard worker and someone who cares deeply about M&S and our colleagues.

Commenting on Tatum’s appointment, Machin continued: “I know that [Tatum] has a very hands-on and collaborative leadership style, crafted through her many roles over the years in HR and store operations.

“We have lots to do in the years ahead to transform M&S and importantly become even closer to our customers and closer to our colleagues.”

Tatum added: “I am thrilled and proud to have been asked to join M&S. After spending my entire career in retail, to be joining the most trusted brand in the UK is a real ‘pinch me’ moment.

“I begin my induction in October, learning and serving alongside the team. Excited…doesn’t quite capture it!”

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