Marks & Spencer has appointed Hayley Tatum as its new chief people officer, taking over from Sarah Findlater, who is departing after 27 years with the company.
Tatum, who is set to join the high street retailer’s executive committee in October, is expected to spend her first month working across M&S stores and distribution centres.
She joins from Asda, where she spent 14 years as chief people officer and later as chief people and corporate affairs officer, after more than 20 years in various roles at Tesco.
Chief executive Stuart Machin praised Findlater’s dedication and said Tatum’s “hands-on and collaborative leadership style” will be key to driving M&S’s transformation plans.
In a LinkedIn a post, Machin said: “Sarah Findlater, who has been our people director for the last three years and worked at M&S for 27 years, will be leaving M&S in the autumn.
“Having worked closely with Sarah for the last three years, she has been an absolute joy to work with, an incredibly hard worker and someone who cares deeply about M&S and our colleagues.
Commenting on Tatum’s appointment, Machin continued: “I know that [Tatum] has a very hands-on and collaborative leadership style, crafted through her many roles over the years in HR and store operations.
“We have lots to do in the years ahead to transform M&S and importantly become even closer to our customers and closer to our colleagues.”
Tatum added: “I am thrilled and proud to have been asked to join M&S. After spending my entire career in retail, to be joining the most trusted brand in the UK is a real ‘pinch me’ moment.
“I begin my induction in October, learning and serving alongside the team. Excited…doesn’t quite capture it!”
In April, Asda appointed former Tesco people officer James Goodman as its new chief people officer, succeeding Hayley Tatum.