Rachel Higham’s departure comes just a little over a year since she joined the business from her previous role as chief information officer at WPP.
At the time, Marks and Sparks CEO Stuart Machin said Higham’s appointment reflected the “importance of digital and technology”.
The news of the chief digital and tech officer comes after a major cyberattack on M&S in April, which is estimated to have cost the business £300 million.
The attack is said to be unrelated to Higham’s departure, with Machin praising her for her role in helping the business navigate the crisis.
In internal memo seen by Food Manufacture’s sister title Retail Week, Machin wrote: “Having steered the digital and technology team through a challenging six months, Rachel Higham has decided to take a break and is stepping back from her role.
“Rachel has been a valued part of the leadership team since joining, building a strengthened digital and technology function, playing a key role over recent months, and laying foundations for the future through the Evolution digital and technology strategy.
“Rachel has been a steady hand and calm head at an extraordinary time for the business, and we wish her well for the future.”
Stepping into Higham’s shoes will be operations director Sacha Berendji, who has been with Sparks since 2012 and acting as its chief recovery officer since the cyberattack.
In his memo, Machin noted that Berendji had worked “hand in glove” with Higham and the digital and tech team and “has an in-depth understanding of the business, our systems and tech stack”.
He added: “Under Sacha’s leadership, I am confident that we will accelerate the digital and technology plan and ensure we are set up to deliver our biggest and best-ever Christmas peak."
