Marks & Spencer has appointed its first ever head of data science, as part of digital transformation plans.

Mehdi Hosseini has previously worked at Microsoft Research, Cambridge University and Sky in roles related to data science. He will report to M&S chief digital and data officer Jeremy Pee and head up a team of 20 data scientists who will be recruited in the near future.

Among his tasks will be utilising data from the retailer’s seven million Sparks Card loyalty members, 11 million online customers, three million M&S Bank customers and one million Ocado food delivery customers.

“Becoming a digital first business is core to our transformation and as part of this we are looking to build a new, world-class, data science capability that can be deployed to create value across the business,” Pee said. “I am delighted that Mehdi, who comes with extensive experience, has joined M&S to build and scale this new team.”

In an investor meeting earlier this week, chief executive Steve Rowe told investors that the turnaround plan M&S’ fashion arm - which has seen seven years of falling sales - was 18 months behind schedule.

He set out a plan for “far-reaching change”, as the High Street stalwart looks to turn around its fortunes with an upgraded range and online shopping options. These included the introduction of instalment credit online, alongside more effective leveraging of M&S’ multi-channel estate.

Share Story: