M&S hire Halfords boss to run troubled clothing arm

Undated handout file photo issued by Halfords of Jill McDonald, who has been poached by Marks & Spencer and put in charge of shoring up its embattled clothing arm. PRESS ASSOCIATION

The high street bellwether said Jill McDonald had been recruited into the new role of managing director for clothing, home and beauty, joining the retailer in the autumn of this year.

The move will see Ms McDonald take over the responsibility of running of the clothing division from chief executive Steve Rowe, who has remained in charge of the operation since his promotion to the top job in April last year.

M&S was given a boost at the start of the year when like-for-like sales in its clothing and home division rose 2.3 per cent in the 13 weeks to December 31 - the first growth since the January to March quarter in 2015.

However, Mr Rowe stressed at the beginning of 2017 that there was more work to do in its efforts to revive clothing sales and suggested the quarterly rise may not mark a return to sustained sales growth.

Speaking about Ms McDonald’s appointment, Mr Rowe said: “Jill’s first-class customer knowledge and great experience in running dynamic, high- achieving teams make her exactly the right person to lead this all-important part of our business from recovery in to growth.”

The firm said Ms McDonald will report to Mr Rowe and oversee all areas of the non-food business, including taking over the supply chain and logistics operations for Clothing, Home & Beauty from chief finance officer Helen Weir.

Ms McDonald was the UK boss of McDonalds before taking the helm at Halfords in 2015. The announcement comes after the retailer revealed at the end of last month that it was planning to close six stores, including one in York.