Justin King, the former chief executive of British supermarket group Sainsbury's, has returned to the retail sector, re-joining Marks & Spencer as a non-executive director, the clothing and food retailer said on Tuesday.
King led Sainsbury's revival over ten years before stepping down in 2014. Prior to that he led M&S' food business and was part of Asda's leadership team.
He will take up his new role at Marks & Spencer on 1 January 2019.
A Successful Leader
"Justin is recognised as one of the UK's most successful retail leaders," Marks & Spencer said in a statement.
"As we navigate the challenges ahead it will be enormously helpful to have his experience, wisdom and insight on the Board. Many colleagues remember his time at M&S and will warmly welcome him back.”
When he quit Sainsbury's, King said he wanted another big job. However, that did not materialise.
King has been vice-chairman of private equity firm Terra Firma since 2015, although it was reported by Sky News earlier this month that he was stepping back from day-to-day management of the buyout group.
In November of this year, Marks & Spencer posted a 2.0% increase in underlying profit in the third quarter of its financial year.
