On your Marks... new chief runs into stores while out jogging

Mr Bolland, who joined the high street giant six months ago from Bradford-based Morrisons, wants to redesign stores so M&S products are more easily visible as well as branding women's labels more clearly.

"I think the quality, both in food and clothing, is exceptional, but I do agree that the stores can be made more shoppable. I would like to get better availability but it's not something we are getting solved very quickly," he told a Sunday newspaper.

"I would like to ensure that customers can buy what they have seen and find it easily in the stores. At the moment, it's hard to distinguish between the brands, whether you are in a Limited environment or a Per Una environment. We need to give them a bit of life so that they stand out from each other."

The 51-year-old Dutchman added: "I go for a run on Saturday and Sunday mornings and I often end up in my shorts in a store on the Fulham Road or the King's Road. I walk around, looking to see whether the 'Dine In For Two' promotion is well represented and occasionally ask if they have any products in the chiller in the back. I don't announce myself as I'm not on a state visit.

"Sometimes I say I work for Marks & Spencer as well but they still don't recognise me. I'm not trying to go undercover. I will say who I am. It's not a secret. But as long as I'm not recognised I can feel like the customer feels, not like the boss walking around."

Mr Bolland also revealed his passion for shooting and cars. He owns a 1967 Aston Martin DB6 and a gun for shooting pheasant and partridges. "I have been invited to some very nice shoots," he said, "particularly in Yorkshire."