M&S loses key digital director
Marks & Spencer has suffered a blow to its multiplatform ambitions after the director responsible for developing new channels, Susan Aubrey-Cound, announced she is leaving the chain.
Susan Aubrey-Cound’s role was the equivalent of a product development director within M&S’s food business, responsible for seeking out and developing new ways in which M&S can use emerging technologies and channels.
Creation of the role was a key part of M&S’s digital strategy to build a fully integrated multiplatform retail business, led by multichannel director Laura Wade-Gery. LINK
Aubrey-Cound led the launch of M&S’s Samsung Smart TV app earlier this month, which made M&S the first retailer to launch an app on the internet connected TV platform. LINK
She has spent 11 years within M&S’s marketing team including group head of marketing and campaigns, and is the second senior marketer to leave the retailer in as many weeks. Alison Jones, brand director for general merchandise left last week. LINK
M&S will be hoping that her departure does not disrupt its digital development. A spokesperson says that “there is as strong team in place” but adds that M&S is looking to replace the key role quickly.
It is not known if Aubrey-Cound has a job to go to.
An M&S spokesperson says: “Susan is stepping down from her role as new channels director in the multichannel team in order to pursue broader management opportunities in multichannel marketing. Susan leaves with our thanks for her extensive contribution to the M&S business over the last 11 years and our best wishes for the future.”
