M&S expands retail and property team

Will Smith will be joining as property director from Asda, where he was vice president of real estate, facilities and market development.

He will be responsible for asset and estate management, acquisitions and disposals, construction delivery and health and safety.

Also joining is Helen Milford as retail director from JS Argos where she was director of retail on the management board. In her new role she will manage four heads of division.

Sacha Berendji, retail, operations and property director at M&S, said: “Building a store estate that’s fit for the future with industry-leading store operations and empowered colleagues is a key part of our transformation programme. We’re therefore adding two new roles to the retail, operations and property leadership team.

“Will Smith’s experience spans property, strategy and general management and he will drive forward our plans to create a store estate fit for the future. He will have accountability for every aspect of our property function including our newly formed asset management team and extensive property portfolio.

“Helen has an outstanding track record and she will be supported by two new heads of division with the right breadth and depth of experience to deliver our mission to be the best retail operator with the most engaged and empowered colleagues in UK retail.”