M&S appoints marketing head for new food ranges

Marks & Spencer has appointed Linda Shepherd as head of food marketing, following a shake-up of the retail giant’s operations.

Shepherd is working with Fiona Moore, head of product direction, to extend M&S’ food range.

Shepherd and Moore were both appointed as executive selectors for food products following a reorganisation at M&S, which led to seven separate retail divisions earlier this year. They are food, menswear, childrenswear, ladieswear, lingerie, beauty and home furnishings.

An M&S spokeswoman said that Moore will review food products to identify gaps in the range. Shepherd will be in charge of marketing new products once they are introduced.

The food division is looking for a chairman following the departure of Roger Whiteside to LM Solutions, an Internet company seeking clients in the European food market.

Last month, M&S appointed Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R to its £26m creative account, following a pitch against BMP DDB.

M&S has also unveiled plans for “shops-within-shops”, to be tested at three London stores. They will stock lines which range from sportswear to women’s workwear.