Board and Management Changes

Marks & Spencer Group PLC
31 May 2004

Issued: Monday 31 May 2004


                  MARKS & SPENCER BOARD AND MANAGEMENT CHANGES


The Board of Marks & Spencer announces that Stuart Rose will join the board as
Chief Executive with immediate effect. Stuart brings a wealth of retail
experience to the job and the board believes that he is the ideal person to
deliver the full potential of Marks & Spencer for the benefit of its
shareholders and customers. Stuart will be joined on the board by Charles
Wilson. Charles has worked with Stuart at Argos, Booker and Arcadia. Steven
Sharp will also be joining the management team. Roger Holmes is stepping down as
Chief Executive with immediate effect.


The company announced on 10th May that Luc Vandevelde had indicated
his intention to leave the board due to his personal commitments. Having secured
the services of Stuart Rose, Luc believes it is inappropriate to prolong his
departure and as such he will also be leaving the company with immediate effect.
Paul Myners will assume the role of interim Chairman until a permanent
appointment is made.


The board has expressed its sincerest thanks to Luc and Roger for the
contribution they have made to Marks & Spencer. They have initiated important
structural, operational and organisational changes and set the basis for the
next phase of the company's development.


Commenting on the changes, Paul Myners today said:


'The board is very pleased to have somebody of Stuart's experience and retail
prowess to lead the company into the next phase of its strategic development.
The board is grateful to Luc and Roger for putting in place many of the building
blocks for the sustained recovery and growth of the business.'


Stuart Rose said:


'I am thrilled to have been appointed as Chief Executive. Marks & Spencer is a
great company with a great history and a great reputation. I know the business
well having spent the first 17 years of my retailing career with the company. My
task is to harness the skills and energy of its people for the long term benefit
of our customers and shareholders. I look forward to the challenge.'

Luc Vandevelde said:

'I am delighted that Stuart Rose is joining Marks & Spencer and I wish him every
success. I wish I could have stayed to see Marks & Spencer through the present
circumstances but I can leave with the comfort that the company is in the best
hands.'

Ends



For further information, please contact;

Marks & Spencer Corporate Press Office    020 7268 1919
Investor Relations, Tony Quinlan          020 7268 4195
                    David Sharkey         020 7268 6193


The directors of Marks & Spencer Group plc accept responsibility for the
information contained in this announcement and confirm that to the best of their
knowledge and belief, (having taken all reasonable care to ensure that such is
the case), the information contained in this announcement is in accordance with
the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such
information.




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