Marks & Spencer director of food Steven Esom exits company

by Jemima Bokaie Marketing 02-Jul-08, 13:42

LONDON - Marks & Spencer's director of food, Steven Esom, has the left the retailer as it announced a 4.5% drop in food sales and unveiled a strategy aimed at meeting 'challenging market conditions'.

Chief executive Sir Stuart Rose announced Esom's departure in the company's first-quarter trading statement.

Rose said: ‘In this quarter, pressures on consumer spending and increased competitor pricing and promotional activity, coupled with changes in consumer buying patterns, have resulted in a significantly weaker performance.

'In order to meet these challenging market conditions, we need to increase the pace of change on a number of operating and trading initiatives. As a result, Steven Esom, director of food, is stepping down from the board and will be leaving the business with immediate effect.'

Esom has been replaced by John Dixon, director of home and M&S Direct.

M&S' like-for-like sales declined 5.3% for the 13 weeks to 28 June. General merchandise dropped 6.2% and food sales fell by 4%.

Earlier this year, Rose announced plans to 'break with tradition' and stock branded products such as Heinz Baked Beans in M&S stores.