Marks & Spencer appoints its first chief digital and data officer

Marks & Spencer (M&S) has recruited a senior executive from Loblaw Companies to become its first chief digital and data officer.

Jeremy Pee, who is currently senior president of Canada’s largest retailer, will join M&S in December.

“M&S is going through a critical transformation and there’s no better time to be joining the business,” said Pee.

“I am looking forward to driving and shaping the digital innovation agenda.”

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In his previous role at Loblaw, Pee was responsible for building, operating, and growing the firm’s e-commerce business in the grocery, beauty, clothing and pharmacy markets.

He has also held senior roles at Staples as Senior Category Merchant and Director of Corporate Strategy.

M&S CEO, Steve Rowe, noted that Pee was an “excellent addition to M&S.”

“He has first class experience of leading and executing retail digital transformation and growing a portfolio of e-commerce businesses,” he said.

“As we seek to become a digital-first retailer, grow market share and change our digital behaviours, mindsets and culture, he is the right leader to deliver these changes and make M&S fit for the digital age.”

The UK retailer said it hopes to develop a “modern digital mindset” as it sets out on a five-year transformation programme.

Through the programme, M&S has set itself a target to make at least a third of its sales online.

The appointment is part of a series of digital projects launched by M&S to strengthen its digital presence.

The firm announced a “game-changing” partnership with Microsoft in June that plans to introduce artificial intelligence into stores.

Plans are also underway to provide data analytics training to 1,000 staff through a data academy delivered by Decoded.