M&S Chairman Archie Norman to Stay Until 2029 as Investors Back Leadership Continuity
London, October 14, 2025 — British retail giant Marks & Spencer (M&S) has announced that its chairman, Archie Norman, will remain in his role until September 2029, extending his tenure by an additional three years beyond the company’s initial governance timeline.
The decision, revealed in a statement on Tuesday, comes with strong backing from shareholders who credit Norman with playing a pivotal role in revitalizing the company’s performance, stabilizing its share price, and steering it through a period of digital and operational transformation.
M&S Cites “Widespread Support” for Extension
Norman, one of the most prominent figures in UK business, first became Marks & Spencer’s chairman in 2017. Under his leadership, M&S has undergone a strategic revival, repositioning itself as a more agile and competitive retailer.
“The board is unanimous in its conviction that his continuation as chairman is in the best interests of the company, and there is widespread support for this view across the shareholder base,” the company said in its announcement.
The board added that the extension would be subject to annual review by a committee of independent directors, ensuring compliance with UK corporate governance standards.
Governance Code Allows Extension Under Justified Circumstances
According to Britain’s corporate governance code, company chairs are generally expected to step down after nine years of board service, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Norman is due to reach that nine-year mark in September 2026, but M&S argues that his continued leadership is essential as the retailer enters the next stage of its “Reshaping for Growth” plan.
“Archie’s deep knowledge of the business, drive, and unique experience will be invaluable as we move forward,” said Fiona Dawson, Senior Independent Director at M&S.
Steering the Company Through Crisis and Recovery
The decision comes as M&S continues to recover from a damaging cyberattack that occurred in April 2025, which the company estimates will result in £300 million ($398 million) in lost operating profit for the 2025/26 financial year.
Despite the setback, M&S has shown strong signs of recovery. Data from Worldpanel released Tuesday showed M&S grocery sales rose 7.7% in the 12 weeks to October 5 compared with the previous year.
Meanwhile, data from Kantar indicated that M&S clothing sales also continue to gain momentum, reinforcing investor confidence in the group’s long-term strategy.
Norman’s Legacy: Transforming a British Icon
Since joining M&S, Archie Norman has overseen a major transformation program, which included:
- Enhancing the quality and value of M&S’s food and clothing ranges.
- Modernizing its store network and digital capabilities.
- Overhauling its supply chain and logistics systems.
- Accelerating e-commerce operations to compete with major online retailers.
The retailer’s Reshaping for Growth strategy has aimed to create a leaner, data-driven business model that connects better with consumers while improving profit margins.
“Norman’s extension ensures stability at a critical time,” said Clive Black, analyst at Shore Capital, M&S’s house broker. “Whilst those of a rather prescriptive process bent may splutter, we firmly believe this is good for all stakeholders in M&S — both now and in the future.”
Market and Investor Confidence Remain Strong
Under Norman’s leadership, M&S’s share price has rebounded significantly from pandemic-era lows. The retailer’s food division has seen continuous growth, while its clothing and home business has regained profitability through better product design, pricing, and marketing.
Investors appear to favor continuity and experienced leadership, particularly as the company navigates both post-cyberattack recovery and economic headwinds in the UK retail sector.
The company reiterated that Norman’s extension was the result of a broad consultation process with institutional investors, who expressed “strong endorsement of the decision.”
Looking Ahead: Focus on Growth and Digital Transformation
Marks & Spencer said it remains committed to its long-term vision of sustainable growth, improved customer experience, and enhanced digital engagement.
“There remains much to do,” Dawson added, noting that Norman’s ongoing guidance would help M&S build on its transformation progress and maintain business momentum.
Industry experts believe the retailer will continue to invest heavily in AI-powered logistics, customer data platforms, and store modernization to stay competitive against rivals like Next, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco.
Key Takeaways
- Chairman: Archie Norman
- Extended Term: Until September 2029
- Reason for Extension: Strong investor backing and leadership continuity
- Cyberattack Cost: £300 million in lost profit (FY 2025/26)
- Recent Performance: 7.7% grocery sales growth; improved clothing momentum
- Strategy: “Reshaping for Growth” transformation plan
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