M&S FASHION BOSS QUITS AS SALES DIP

Marks & Spencer’s hopes of re-booting its struggling clothing department suffered a hit after one of its bosses quit.

Jo Jenkins, who was only appointed director of clothing and beauty back in May, resigned to take up the chief executive position at fashion firm White Stuff.

Jill McDonald remains as managing director of the division. An M&S spokesman said: “This is a natural next step for Jo. It won’t leave us with a gaping hole.”

However, analysts think the departure is a blow to M&S boss Steve Rowe’s attempts to revitalise its clothing arm. It recorded a 1.2% fall in sales for the first quarter and a 2.8% dip in its most recent annual results.

“Going into Christmas, this isn’t a good sign,” said Connor Campbell, analyst at Spreadex.

“M&S is struggling to find something that sticks in the clothing division.”