Lyttle, whose tenure at Boohoo spanned five years and included nine years as COO at Primark, is poised to assume his new role as managing director of the clothing and home division at M&S on 3 March. His previous roles encompass trading positions at Matalan and Arcadia.
The leadership shakeup follows the retailer’s strong performance in Q3 with online sales in M&S' clothing, home, and beauty segment up 11.7% during the quarter.
The retailer's clothing, home, and beauty segment saw a 1.0% increase in sales, reaching £1.30 billion. Like-for-like sales grew by 1.9%, surpassing market trends despite challenging conditions.
Welcoming John Lyttle, M&S CEO Stuart Machin said: "He brings extensive experience in driving strong volume-based growth and supply chain transformation across store-based and pureplay retailers. His down-to-earth leadership style fits with our sleeves rolled up, ‘tell it as it is’ culture, and I know he will be a brilliant colleague to work with.
“John will be supported by a strong leadership team. Maddy Evans is transforming our Womenswear proposition and I am delighted to broaden her remit to include our trusted heartland of Lingerie. Bringing all of our Womenswear categories together will further improve our customer proposition and style credentials, and this change builds on the progress Charlotte Davies has already started to make.”
Lyttle's initial focus will be on M&S stores and supply chains, followed by a month-long transition period alongside outgoing Richard Price, who departs on 30 April.
Price, who has served as managing director of clothing, home & beauty since 2020, will be departing M&S to embark on a portfolio career.
“Thanks to Richard’s leadership, the Clothing, Home & Beauty business is now on a much stronger footing with improved product. Style perceptions have increased consistently and our lead on quality and value has extended, driving growth in sales and market share,” Stuart Machin added.
Evans, who is currently the director of womenswear, will broaden her scope to include Lingerie, stepping into the role of director of M&S Woman from 6 February.
Charlotte Davies, new director of Lingerie, joined from Hunkemöller where she held the position of Chief Product Officer. She will report directly to Evans.
Stuart Machin said: “Bringing all of our Womenswear categories together will further improve our customer proposition and style credentials, and this change builds on the progress Charlotte Davies has already started to make.”
In August last year, M&S capitalised on its strong apparel share in the UK market by piloting a clothing and beauty-only store, a move one industry insider has described as "wise."
