Sainsbury’s poaches M&S clothing head

Sainsbury’s has recruited Marks & Spencer head of marketing and strategy for clothing Helen Buck as director of brand communications.

Buck, who takes up her new post in January, is expected to have responsibility for the supermarket’s agencies, which include Abbott Mead Vickers.BBDO and PHD. She is likely to play a crucial role if the troubled supermarket chain proceeds with the expected review of its agencies.

Buck will report to marketing director Stephen Nelson, who is to looking at a new structure for the marketing department as part of a review that is expected to result in up to 70 marketing redundancies.

Sainsbury’s has already revealed that brand marketing director Jeremy Schwartz will leave in January, as his post is to be scrapped.

Chief executive Justin King has set the marketing department a goal of shaving &£40m from its budget over the next three years. King is also reviewing the Nectar scheme, and it is thought that he has given it one year to prove its worth.

Buck has been at M&S for three years, during which time she has also worked head of food marketing. Head of Christmas and group planning Carol Stockhill will fill her role in the short term.