Board appointment

Marks & Spencer Group PLC
19 November 2003

Issued: 19 November 2003



                 MAURICE HELFGOTT APPOINTED AS DIRECTOR OF FOOD

                       FOLLOWING JUSTIN KING'S DEPARTURE



Marks and Spencer Group plc is announcing that Justin King, Executive Director
of Food, has resigned from the Board with immediate effect. Maurice Helfgott,
currently Director of Menswear, is appointed to the Board of Marks and Spencer
Group plc with responsibility for Food, in Justin's place. This appointment is
also with immediate effect.

Maurice Helfgott, 36, has spent his career with Marks & Spencer, joining in
1988. He has spent much of his time in the Clothing division, rising to the
position of Director of Menswear in January 2001. He was also Managing Director
of Marks & Spencer Ventures, worked in Store Operations and spent a period with
Brooks Brothers in New York. Most recently, he has been responsible for
launching and establishing Blue Harbour, now the UK's leading men's casualwear
brand and for the launch of SP. He also holds an MBA from Harvard Business
School.

Roger Holmes, Chief Executive said: 'Justin has been a valued member of the
team, but he had the opportunity to take a CEO role and we wish him well for the
future.'

'Maurice is one of Marks & Spencer's brightest stars,' said Roger Holmes. 'He
has broad-based experience, has demonstrated his versatility and achieved great
success. He has also been the driving force behind the segmentation in Menswear.

'Our Food division is well established, with a reputation based on providing
excellent quality and innovative food. Maurice, supported by an experienced
team, will be well-positioned to continue the success of this business.'


Maurice Helfgott said: 'I am delighted to be appointed to the Board of Marks &
Spencer. I feel it is a privilege to be leading what I believe is the most
exciting Food business in the UK, delivering special food for our customers. I
look forward to working with the team in developing Food and to continuing to
lay foundations for future growth, including the roll-out of the Simply Food
format.'


                                      ENDS

For further information:

Analysts:

Sarah McGlyne        020 7268 1563

Nick Jones           020 7268 6594

Press:

Lisa Attenborough    020 7268 6166

Sue Sadler           020 7268 8642



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