M&S director to leave

A key Marks & Spencer’s director has handed in his notice.

Charles Wilson, executive director for IT, logistics and property, is leaving the struggling retailer to takeover as chief executive of cash-and-carry wholesaler Booker.

Wilson has played a key role within M&S since joining the firm last year at the same time as chief executive Stuart Rose.

The pair had previously worked together at Booker, Argos and Arcadia.

M&S is struggling to turn around falling sales, particularly in its core clothing business, however its food business remains sound.

It said Wilson would not be directly replaced when he leaves at the end of October.

Rose said: “Charles joined M&S to do a specific job, namely to help focus the business and to deliver cash and cost improvements. He has delivered these and helped build a solid foundation for the company to go forward.”