Marks and Spencer Group plc has announced the appointment of John Dixon to its Board as Executive Director, Food with immediate effect. John has been the Company’s Director of Food since July 2008, during which time he has been instrumental in driving and improving the food business.

John joined Marks & Spencer in 1986 as a store management trainee. Since then he has worked across M&S in a variety of senior roles. Prior to becoming Director of Food, John was Director of Home and M&S Direct.

Sir Stuart Rose, Executive Chairman of Marks & Spencer, said, “We are delighted to welcome John to the Board. Since becoming Director of Food, John and his team have greatly improved our food business, changed perceptions of our value, and introduced a host of hugely popular innovations.”

M&S is also announcing the following immediate changes to membership of its Board Committees:

- Steven Holliday has been appointed Chair of the Remuneration Committee to succeed Louise Patten, who remains on the Committee as a member;

- Louise Patten has been appointed a member of the Audit Committee;

- Jan du Plessis has been appointed a member of the Remuneration Committee.