Steven Esom, who sensationally quit as Waitrose MD yesterday, has defected to M&S to become its new director of food.
He replaces Guy Farrant, who has taken on the role of director of retail and outlets.
Esom oversaw a major expansion programme during his five years as MD of Waitrose, buying up large numbers of stores from Somerfield and Morrisons, and making the chain's first forays into the north of England and Scotland.
Last month Waitrose announced annual sales up 11% to £3.7bn. Like for like sales rose 5.3% and profits climbed 5% to £244m.
This morning's newspapers are full of speculation regarding the reasons behind the switch.
The Guardian said Esom had become “disillusioned” with the John Lewis Partnership after he lost out to Charlie Mayfield in the race to succeed Sir Stuart Hampson as chairman four months ago.
The FT, meanwhile, said Esom would be groomed as a potential successor to the current M&S chief executive Stuart Rose.
Carl Leaver, former chief executive of the De Vere Group, is also joining M&S, as director of international business.
Rose said he was “delighted” at the appointments of Esom and Leaver.
“We are bringing new talent into M&S to work alongside our existing senior team in order to drive the business through its next stage of growth,” he said.
He replaces Guy Farrant, who has taken on the role of director of retail and outlets.
Esom oversaw a major expansion programme during his five years as MD of Waitrose, buying up large numbers of stores from Somerfield and Morrisons, and making the chain's first forays into the north of England and Scotland.
Last month Waitrose announced annual sales up 11% to £3.7bn. Like for like sales rose 5.3% and profits climbed 5% to £244m.
This morning's newspapers are full of speculation regarding the reasons behind the switch.
The Guardian said Esom had become “disillusioned” with the John Lewis Partnership after he lost out to Charlie Mayfield in the race to succeed Sir Stuart Hampson as chairman four months ago.
The FT, meanwhile, said Esom would be groomed as a potential successor to the current M&S chief executive Stuart Rose.
Carl Leaver, former chief executive of the De Vere Group, is also joining M&S, as director of international business.
Rose said he was “delighted” at the appointments of Esom and Leaver.
“We are bringing new talent into M&S to work alongside our existing senior team in order to drive the business through its next stage of growth,” he said.
No comments yet