Tatum, who has dedicated 14 years to Asda as chief people officer, is set to join Marks & Spencer in October 2025. She will succeed outgoing people director Sarah Findlater.
This announcement was made on LinkedIn by Stuart Machin, the chief executive of Marks & Spencer, just two days after Tatum revealed her departure from Asda.
In her post, Tatum aptly described her experience at Asda as an “amazing journey”, highlighting her collaboration with “fantastic colleagues both in Leeds and in the US”.
“I leave the team in the very safe hands of James Goodman, who I’ve had the chance to get to know and handover to during the summer,” she stated.
Machin emphasized that Tatum will be part of the Marks & Spencer executive committee. Her month-long induction will involve “working in stores alongside our store colleagues and in distribution centres alongside our distribution colleagues.”
He further remarked, “Having worked with Hayley previously, I know that she has a very hands-on and collaborative leadership style, crafted through her many roles over the years in HR and store operations. We have lots to do in the years ahead to transform M&S and importantly become even closer to our customers and closer to our colleagues.”
Addressing Findlater’s departure, Machin acknowledged her as a “fantastic colleague and leader” over her 27 years with Marks & Spencer.
“Having worked with Sarah closely for the last three years, she has been an absolute joy to work with, an incredibly hard worker and someone who cares deeply about M&S and our colleagues,” he noted.
In response to Machin’s confirmation of her new role with Marks & Spencer, Tatum posted: “I am thrilled and proud to have been asked to join M&S. After spending my entire career in retail, to be joining the most trusted brand in the UK is a real ‘pinch me’ moment. I begin my induction in October, learning and serving alongside the team.”