Marks and Spencer Asia head quits ahead of store shake-up
MARKS & Spencer said yesterday that its regional director for Asia was quitting after less than two years in the role as it announced a review of plans for China including the closure of five Shanghai stores.
Bruce Findlay, a former retail director for Calvin Klein who is leaving to join Diesel, took on the role in 2013 after a shake-up of its international business that saw his predecessor Pascal Martin leave.
People close to the situation played down his departure, saying it had strong team in place, with former Inditex director Maria Rodal in charge of China, reporting to international director Costas Antimissaris.
News of his exit comes as M&S announced it will close five stores in the greater Shanghai region in August to focus on “Tier One” cities, such as Beijing and Guangzhou.
It will also invest in modernising its flagship in Shanghai as well as its Hong Kong stores, and expanding its food business in the region.