Marks & Spencer (M&S) has appointed Jag Weatherley as transformation director for fashion, home & beauty.

She joins the retailer from Asos, where she most recently worked as managing director for Europe and the rest of the world.

The company said that the appointment is a strategic hire which demonstrates its “commitment to accelerating the pace of its transformation.”

The appointment follows an announcement last week that Jon Rolls will be joining the business in the fourth quarter as commercial & operations director.

“Jag’s appointment marks an important next step in completing our Fashion, Home & Beauty leadership team and upping the pace of our transformation,” said John Lyttle, managing director of fashion, home & beauty. “Jag brings a brilliant set of expertise as we continue to build momentum and reshape M&S for growth.”

The move comes after M&S chief digital and technology officer Rachel Hingham left the retailer for a career break earlier this month.

A spokesperson for M&S told Reuters at the time that Hingham was stepping down from her role “having been a valued part of the leadership team.”

The spokesperson added: "She has been a steady hand and calm head at an extraordinary time for the business, and we wish her well for the future."

The news followed a major cyberattack at M&S earlier this year which forced the retailer to suspend online operations and in-store collections.

The disruption, which began on 25 April, affected both the website and mobile app, halting orders for clothing, home deliveries, and store pickups.

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