What: Marks & Spencer has announced Alison Dolan as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), set to replace interim CFO Jeremy Townsend in May 2025.

Why it is important: The appointment of Alison Dolan, a seasoned executive with extensive experience in fast-paced, digitally-led businesses, is crucial for M&S as it continues its successful transformation and expansion efforts.

M&S has named Alison Dolan as its next CFO, with her tenure set to begin before May 2025. Dolan, currently CFO at Rightmove plc, brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles at News UK and Sky, where she focused on finance, strategy, and transformation. CEO Stuart Machin expressed confidence in Dolan's ability to contribute to M&S's ongoing transformation. Meanwhile, interim CFO Jeremy Townsend will remain until May 2025, ensuring a smooth transition. This leadership change comes at a prosperous time for M&S, with rising sales and profits, alongside plans for further investment in its store estate to open new locations and upgrade existing ones.

M&S names Alison Dolan as new CFO, but with big delay