Marks and Spencer Group plc announced that Rachel Higham has been appointed as the new M&S chief digital and technology officer, taking a seat on the company's executive committee after moving from WPP. The hire comes as M&S looks to build out its technology capabilities. M&S is aiming to collect more data on its customers so it can give them a better personalised app experience.

Tesco and Sainsbury's have already achieved success doing this by monitoring customers' shopping habits to help tailor individual loyalty card offers. The appointment of a new chief digital officer was announced alongside news that Mark Lemming had been promoted to managing director of the M&S international division.