Safeway’s commercial director Ian Mumby has left to become head of IT and supply chain for Marks and Spencer’s food division.

Mumby has worked for Safeway for six years. His other positions included director of supply strategy and director of logistics and network strategy.

Before working for the supermarket chain, he was employed by McKinsey for eight years as a consultant specialising in retail organisation and operations, advising major food retailers. During this time, he completed an MBA at Harvard.

Justin King, executive director for food at Marks and Spencer, said: “We’re delighted that Ian is joining us to develop our IT and supply chain strategies.

“He has an excellent background in retail and strategic direction that will be particularly relevant to the growth of our foodbusiness.”