Board of Directors

Stuart was appointed Executive Chairman in June 2008. He is a non-executive director of Land Securities plc and Chairman of Business in the Community. Stuart began his career in retail at Marks & Spencer in 1972 where he remained until 1989, before going on to become the Chief Executive of a number of well known UK retailers, including Argos plc, Booker plc and Arcadia Group plc. Stuart was knighted in 2008.

David is Chairman of the Nomination Committee and senior independent director. He is senior independent director of easyJet plc and has been appointed interim Chairman with effect from 1 July 2009. David is a non-executive director of Strategic Hotels & Resorts and Jumeriah Group, Dubai. He was previously senior independent director of The British Land Company plc, non-executive director of Arcadia Group and Chief Executive of Hilton Group plc. David was knighted in 2006.

Ian joined Marks & Spencer as Group Finance Director, becoming Group Finance and Operations Director in March 2008. Ian was formerly Finance Director of The Rank Group plc. Prior to this he was Group Financial Controller of Hilton Group plc. Ian was a non-executive director of Misys plc until September 2005.

Kate joined Marks & Spencer in October 2004. Previously Kate was Product Director for Childrenswear at Next from 1994, before joining Asda in 2001 as Product Director for the George Global Brand. She was responsible for the launch of the standalone George concept and the launch of the George brand globally.

Jeremy is Chairman of the Audit Committee. He is Chief Executive of British Sky Broadcasting Plc, having been the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. Jeremy was previously Group Finance Director and Retail Finance Director at Dixons Group plc.

Steven is Group CEO of National Grid plc, having at different times been responsible for the UK Electricity and Gas businesses. Previously, he held numerous senior positions with the Exxon Group. Steven has also developed business opportunities in countries such as China, Australia, Japan and Brazil.

Martha is a non-executive director of Channel 4 Television and a Trustee of the charity Reprieve. She is founder and Chairman of Lucky Voice, and of her own grant giving foundation, Antigone. Martha is also a director of mydeco.com. She was a co-founder of lastminute.com.

Louise is Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. She is a senior adviser to Bain & Co, non-executive Chairman of Brixton plc and a non-executive director of Bradford & Bingley. She was formerly a non-executive director of Hilton Group plc, GUS plc, Somerfield plc and Harveys Furnishings plc.

Jan is Chairman of British American Tobacco plc. He was appointed Chairman of Rio Tinto plc in April 2009 having been a non-executive director since September 2008. Jan was a non-executive director of Lloyds Banking Group plc until April 2009. He was previously Group Finance Director of the Swiss luxury goods group Richemont until 2004.

Joined the M&S legal department in 1985. On 8 July 2009 he will retire and will be succeeded by Amanda Mellor, current Head of Investor Relations.