Marks & Spencer technical manager Johnathan Sutton is leaving the retailer to join Univeg UK in a similar role, FPJ can reveal.
Sutton, who has been in the produce, plants and flowers division since 2011, will leave M&S in October. He moves from retailer to supplier having spent nearly 20 years in supermarkets, including 12 at Tesco.
Sutton began his career as an agricultural manager at Unilever, having completed an agriculture degree at De Montfort University.
His departure was announced in an email from Kate Stein, the head of food technology - fresh at M&S. She wrote: 'It is with regret that I announce that Johnathan Sutton has resigned from the business. Johnathan has decided to take a senior position with one of our produce suppliers, but will remain in the business until the beginning of October.
'I would like to thank Johnathan for the contribution he has made to our produce and horticulture business over the last five years and we wish him all the best in the future.'
Sutton told FPJ that the technical director role at Univeg UK represented at 'new and exciting opportunity after 20 years in fresh produce retail', joining 'a supplier that has an excellent reputation and a great team.'
He added: 'M&S is an amazing company with an exceptional quality stance that never compromises for its customers. The brand and business strategy is working and being driven through the values under the leadership of Steve Rowe.
'I have been privileged to work for two of the greatest retailers in the world and will take this experience into the supply side to deliver a technical strategy that keeps Univeg UK at the forefront of fresh produce and drive the innovation agenda to make sure we are leading the industry in some very challenging times.'
