Marks & Spencer has announced a significant leadership appointment that marks another step in its ongoing digital transformation journey. John Hunt will be joining the business as Chief Digital and Technology Officer this summer, bringing with him more than three decades of experience across retail technology leadership roles in major international organisations.
Hunt joins from Woolworths Australia, where he has served as Chief Information Officer for the past nine years. During that time, he led large-scale digital and technology operations, helping modernise systems, strengthen customer experience platforms, and support retail growth in an increasingly data-driven market. His career has also included senior D&T leadership roles in both South Africa and Australia, giving him broad experience across complex, multi-market retail environments.
On his appointment, John Hunt expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to join M&S at a pivotal moment in its transformation. He highlighted his passion for both retail and technology and described M&S as a globally admired brand undergoing an exciting period of change. As part of his transition into the role, he will spend his first four weeks immersed in stores, gaining first-hand insight into operations and customer experience before formally taking over the Digital, Data and Technology function.
The leadership transition has been carefully structured to ensure continuity. Hunt will succeed Sacha Berendji in leading Digital, Data and Technology. However, Berendji will remain part of the business and continue on the Executive Committee until April 2027, providing stability during the handover period and continuing his leadership of Property and Store Development.
M&S Chief Executive Stuart Machin welcomed the appointment while also paying tribute to Berendji’s long-standing contribution. He described Berendji as a trusted colleague and a key source of strategic insight within the organisation, noting the strong sense of appreciation across the company for his work and leadership.
Sacha Berendji reflected on his long career with the company, describing more than three decades at M&S and expressing confidence in the retailer’s current strategy and leadership direction. He emphasised his continued commitment to supporting ongoing priorities during the transition period.
Stuart Machin also highlighted the importance of continuity and leadership strength during this phase of change, reinforcing the company’s focus on delivering its long-term transformation agenda.
Overall, the appointment of John Hunt signals a continued investment by M&S in strengthening its digital and technology capabilities, as the retailer looks to enhance customer experience, modernise its infrastructure, and accelerate its transformation in an increasingly competitive retail landscape.