Marks & Spencer has been hit by another major departure in its technology leadership team, less than a year after a crippling cyber attack disrupted its operations.
Senior Tech Executive Departs
Josie Smith is stepping down from her role as chief technology officer at the retail giant, an internal memo revealed this week. Her exit comes just 18 months after she joined the company and a mere nine months after a severe security breach.
The memo stated Smith had "decided to leave M&S." She will be replaced by Darren Gibson, who currently serves as the fashion, home and beauty technology transformation director at the retailer.
Fallout from Major Security Breach
Smith's departure follows that of Rachel Higham, M&S's chief digital and technology officer, who left the business four months ago. This leadership shake-up occurs in the wake of a cyber attack in April last year that cost the company hundreds of millions of pounds.
The incident, attributed to a hacking group known as Scattered Spider, forced M&S to halt its online sales operations for several weeks, causing widespread disruption.
The retailer has directly linked the attack to recent business challenges. Earlier this month, it reported a drop in like-for-like clothing sales over the crucial Christmas trading period, partly blaming "the long tail effects" of the cyber security incident.
Wider Leadership Changes
The internal communication also confirmed that Krista Nordlund, M&S's chief product officer, will leave the company in July to return to the United States.
These exits underscore the ongoing repercussions for British businesses facing sophisticated cyber threats. The attack on M&S highlighted the significant vulnerability of major UK corporations to operations-halting digital assaults.
A spokeswoman for Marks & Spencer confirmed the contents of the internal memo regarding the executive changes.
