McWalter unveils M&S revamp

Marks & Spencer is to recruit more marketers from outside the company in an effort to speed its recovery programme.

The decision marks the first restructure carried out by group marketing director Alan McWalter. He joined the company in January and became the retailer’s first marketer to sit on the executive board.

The marketing department will be divided into two groups: a marketing strategy unit and a brand design and delivery unit. At least three senior marketers will be brought in from outside, with the remaining positions being filled internally.

Nick Penny, formerly head of M&S’s customer insight unit, has been promoted to head the marketing strategy unit. It will comprise six staff, with responsibility for market research, customer relationship management and brand management.

M&S is seeking a head for its brand design and delivery unit. The new recruit will oversee five staff working on external marketing, in-store marketing, store design and publications.

A M&S spokeswoman says: “The restructure marks McWalter’s opportunity to refocus the department structure and imprint his vision for going forward. It aims to take forward strategic thinking, on the one hand, and delivery, on the other.”