Marks and Spencer Group plc announces that Vittorio Radice is to become the Executive Director for General Merchandise, responsible for Clothing, Home and store development.

Chief Executive, Roger Holmes said: "The appointment of Vittorio to this new role is absolutely the right choice at the right time. Vittorio is acknowledged as an outstanding retailer with an ability to be bold and to transform our offer to customers, as he has shown with the launch of Marks & Spencer Lifestore."

The Company is also announcing the appointment of Mark McKeon to the newly created Board position of Executive Director of Retail, International and Outlets.

Roger Holmes added: "Mark has a wealth of experience in fashion retailing. He will bring a new dimension to our store operations and I am very pleased he is joining Marks & Spencer."

Both Board appointments are effective from Monday 5 April 2004. Clothing Director, David Norgrove's departure date is confirmed as 31 March 2004.

Chairman, Luc Vandevelde said: "Vittorio's and Mark's appointments are a clear illustration of our ability to attract and retain the best in the market. The combination of their fashion and retail talents alongside the other members of the Board, brings together a powerful set of complementary skills at the top of the Company."

Roger Holmes also said of Barry Stevenson, who resigned recently as Retail Director, "Barry has made a great contribution in his three years with Marks & Spencer and I am extremely grateful to him for all his commitment. He has strengthened the retail teams and was instrumental in carrying out the successful store renewal programme. We wish him the best for the future, as he pursues opportunities in private equity and independent retailing.

"We are also very grateful to David for all he has done and wish him well for the future. He has achieved a great deal in his time as Executive Director of Clothing, including making considerable progress in our supply chain."

Executive Director, Vittorio Radice said: "Clothing at Marks & Spencer has to be one of the most exciting jobs in retail today and I am taking it on with great enthusiasm. I look forward to working with the team to build this important part of the Company."

Mark McKeon said: "I see this as an outstanding opportunity to join the UK's most respected retailer, at a time of dynamic change."

Mark McKeon, 45, has spent his entire career in retail, largely in fashion, but he also has recent experience of food and catering on an international scale. He began his career with Waitrose, before moving to Next plc, who he left as Retail Sales Director. He was subsequently Retail Director and then European Managing Director of Episode, before joining Starbucks as President of Europe, Middle East and Africa.

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For further information, please contact:
Corporate Press Office 020 7268 8642/8323

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