Marks & Spencer has appointed a new chief digital and technology officer, while operations director Sacha Berendji plans to step back from the business.
In moves announced by M&S on LinkedIn, John Hunt will join this summer, taking over leadership of the digital, data and technology functions from Berendji.
Berendji is to remain on the executive committee until April 2027, ensuring a smooth transition while also continuing to lead on property and store development.
Hunt brings more than 30 years of experience in retail, leading digital and technology teams across large-scale business in South Africa and Australia, according to M&S. He joins from Woolworths Australia, where he has been chief information officer for nine years.
“I’m really looking forward to joining M&S and bringing my passion for both retail and technology to what is an incredibly exciting transformation,” said Hunt. “M&S is a brand that is admired the world over and I can’t wait to get started.”
Berendji has been at M&S for more than 30 years and operations director for 14.
M&S CEO Stuart Machin said: “Sacha is a loyal, hard-working, trusted colleague and one of the most company-minded people I’ve had the pleasure to work with.
“All of us at M&S turn to him for advice, support and that extra bit of wisdom. He will remain a part of the M&S family forever. Everyone at M&S offers a heartfelt thank you to Sacha, and a warm welcome to John.”
Berendji said: “M&S runs through my blood and has done for more than 32 years. It’s the best brand in the country and in my view the best retailer in the world.
“I think the leadership and the clarity of our strategy is stronger now than it has ever been and I’m very confident about the future of M&S.
“I remain focused on delivering our priorities as we still have so much to do. I will be cheering on Stuart and the team in the years ahead.”
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