NEW HEAD OF WOMENSWEAR

Marks & Spencer Group PLC
13 May 2004





Issued:  13 May 2004



          MARKS & SPENCER APPOINTS KATE BOSTOCK TO HEAD UP WOMENSWEAR



Marks & Spencer announces the appointment of Kate Bostock as Director of
Womenswear, reporting to Board Director for General Merchandise, Vittorio
Radice. Steve Longdon, who currently holds the position of Director of
Womenswear, will be leaving the Company at the end of the month.


Vittorio Radice said: 'I'm delighted that Kate is joining us.  She has
outstanding retail flair and excellent all-round skills across design, buying
and merchandising as well as a strong appreciation of technology, product
quality and sourcing.  She also brings unrivalled experience in large-scale
retailing.  Steve has made an important contribution to the business over the
past few years and both Roger and I are very grateful to him for all he has
done.'


Kate Bostock said:  'I'm very excited to be joining Vittorio and his team.  I've
always admired what Marks & Spencer stands for, particularly its focus on
product quality.  With this new role, I will have the opportunity to help build
one of the most compelling womenswear offers on the high street.'


Kate Bostock has been Product Director for the George Global Brand at ASDA since
2001, covering all areas of clothing and footwear.  In this role she has been
responsible for design, buying and technology and, in particular, she was
responsible for the launch of the standalone George concept and the launch of
George globally.  She was previously Product Director for Childrenswear at Next.



In addition, the Company is announcing that Vittorio Radice is strengthening the
senior line-up within General Merchandise with the following appointments: Jack
Paterson moves into the newly-created position of Director of Home; Matt Hudson
becomes Director of Lingerie and Beauty and Andrew Skinner becomes Director of
Menswear.  The Menswear appointment takes place with immediate effect and the
Home and Lingerie and Beauty Directors will take up their roles by the end of
May.


                                      ENDS


For further information:


Marks & Spencer corporate press office:     020 7268 1919


Investor Relations:

Tony Quinlan: 020 7268 4195

David Sharkey: 020 7 268 6193

Damian Evans: 020 7268 1563






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