Rachel Higham’s departure occurs just over a year after her transition to the company from her role as chief information officer at WPP. This highlights the dynamic nature of leadership within the food manufacturing sector.
When Higham was appointed, Marks and Sparks CEO Stuart Machin emphasized the “importance of digital and technology” for growth and innovation.
Her exit follows a significant cyberattack on M&S in April, which is projected to have cost the business approximately £300 million. It is important to note that this incident is reportedly unrelated to Higham’s departure. Machin commended her contributions during this challenging time, underscoring her value to the organization.
In an internal memo, Machin stated: “Having steered the digital and technology team through a challenging six months, Rachel Higham has decided to take a break and is stepping back from her role.”
He further noted, “Rachel has been a valued part of the leadership team since joining, building a strengthened digital and technology function, playing a key role over recent months, and laying foundations for the future through the Evolution digital and technology strategy.”
Additionally, Machin remarked, “Rachel has been a steady hand and calm head at an extraordinary time for the business, and we wish her well for the future.”
Taking on Higham’s responsibilities will be operations director Sacha Berendji, who has been with Sparks since 2012 and has served as its chief recovery officer following the cyberattack.
In his memo, Machin acknowledged that Berendji had collaborated “hand in glove” with Higham and the digital and technology team, emphasizing that he “has an in-depth understanding of the business, our systems and tech stack.”
Moreover, he concluded, “Under Sacha’s leadership, I am confident that we will accelerate the digital and technology plan and ensure we are set up to deliver our biggest and best-ever Christmas peak.”
