Marks & Spencer’s chief digital and technology officer, Rachel Higham, is departing the company just months after a significant cyberattack halted the retailer’s online operations and led to losses exceeding £300 million.
Higham, formerly of WPP and BT Group, joined M&S early last year and guided the business through the aftermath of the April cyber incident staged by the group Scattered Spider.
Higham’s exit was announced in an internal memo circulated on Thursday, with the company crediting her as “a steady hand and calm head at an extraordinary time for the business.”
The memo added best wishes for her future endeavours. M&S has since restored its click-and-collect service and expects some financial relief from insurance.
M&S confirmed to Sky News that it is not currently seeking a replacement for the technology leadership role. The retailer has not clarified who will take over Higham’s responsibilities or if she will receive a payoff.
M&S chief executive Stuart Machin said: “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 steady hand and calm head at an extraordinary time for the business, and we wish her well for the future.”
A company spokesperson verified the legitimacy of the announcement but declined to provide further details.
