Marks & Spencer clothing and beauty director will leave to become White Stuff CEO

Jo Jenkins, who had joined Marks and Spencer in 2013, started her new role earlier this month

In July the high street giant said like-for-like sales fell 1.2 per cent in its clothing and home division (Getty)

Marks & Spencer has been hit by the departure of a senior member of its troubled clothing division, just weeks after starting a new role at the retailer. The news comes weeks ahead of the critical Christmas trading period.

Jo Jenkins, appointed as the firm’s director of clothing and beauty in May, will leave M&S to become chief executive of White Stuff.

An M&S spokesman said: “We’re delighted for Jo – she’s been a real talent here at M&S, which is reflected in the progress she has made both professionally and for the business.

“Becoming CEO at a company like White Stuff is a natural next step for her. We wish her all the very best with her new role.”

However, her departure will be a blow for chief executive Steve Rowe, who has made turning around the ailing womenswear division one of his top priorities.

Earlier this year he drafted in former Halfords chief executive Jill McDonald as managing director of clothing, home and beauty to lead the turnaround.

In July the high street giant said like-for-like sales fell 1.2 per cent in its clothing and home division, although Mr Rowe said the unit was moving in the “right direction” as the performance marked an improvement on the 5.9 per cent tumble seen in the previous three months.

Ms Jenkins joined M&S as its director of womenswear, lingerie and beauty in 2013. After being appointed to the job of director of clothing and beauty in May, she started her new role earlier this month.

M&S said Ms Jenkins is likely to stay in her current role for a couple more months.

PA