British department store Marks & Spencer (M&S) has appointed former Asda executive Hayley Tatum as its new chief people officer, effective from October 2025.

Tatum will replace Sarah Findlater, who has held the position of people director for the last three years and has been with the company for 27 years.

Findlater will depart in the autumn of 2025.

In a LinkedIn post, Findlater stated: “It’s been a real privilege to grow through so many leadership roles and to work alongside some truly fabulous people who’ve inspired me every step of the way, and never more so than during the three months I recently spent working in stores alongside our incredible store colleagues.

“I leave the business at a high point – after three years of commercial growth, cultural transformation and deep operational change.”

The new appointment was announced by M&S CEO Stuart Machin through a post on LinkedIn.

Machin indicated that Tatum will be joining the executive committee and will commence her induction by engaging with staff in stores and distribution centres.

Machin added: “Having worked with Hayley previously, I know that she has a very hands-on and collaborative leadership style, crafted through her many roles over the years in HR and store operations.

“We have lots to do in the years ahead to transform M&S and importantly become even closer to our customers and closer to our colleagues.

“Our aim is to be the most trusted brand with a high-performance culture. Hayley joins at a critical time as we accelerate the pace of change across all of our people plans, attracting and developing the very best talent in the industry and rethinking engagement and performance.”

In July 2025, the retailer expanded its Bigger Pack, Better Value range for family shoppers.