Ex-advertising head leaves M&S after fruitless ‘discussions’

Former Marks & Spencer head of advertising Matthew Chambers has left the company after almost six months of “discussions” failed to clarify his position and responsibilities within the company.

Chambers’ role as head of external advertising disappeared as part of a restructure of the retailer’s marketing department, led by group marketing director Alan McWalter in April this year (MW April 12).

At the time M&S denied the shake-up was a result of last year’s controversial “I’m normal” campaign, which featured a naked size 16 model and attracted complaints from religious groups.

Chambers had overseen the appointment of Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R, the agency behind the campaign.

In June the retailer appointed Publicis senior account director Jude Bridge to the newly created position of head of external marketing, which includes responsibility for advertising. It also promoted Anna Joseph, marketing chief of its homeware division, to head of marketing planning and brand management. Chambers was not considered for either role.

This week a spokeswoman for M&S confirmed that Chambers had now left the company, but could not comment on whether he had another job to go to.

It is believed that Bridge, who joined M&S three weeks ago, will review the &£25m creative account after the crucial Christmas period.

French department store group Galeries Lafayette this week emerged as the most likely bidder for Marks & Spencer’s French stores, which were put up for sale earlier this year.