Diageo today appointed Marks & Spencer’s chief financial officer, Alan Stewart, as a non-executive director.

Stewart, who will sit on the spirit giant’s board as well as its audit, nomination and remuneration committees, will continue in his role at Marks & Spencer where he also oversees IT, the supply chain and logistics.

Diageo chairman Dr Franz Humer said Stewart’s strong track record in accountancy and financial management as well as his experience in retail, travel and the banking industries would be of “great value to Diageo” as it continues to focus on driving long-term profitable growth.

Stewart joined Marks & Spencer in October 2010 from aircraft leasing company AWAS. He was previously group finance director at WHSmith, and chief exec and group CFO of Thomas Cook, having worked in the investment bank of HSBC.