Marks & Spencer has said that Rachel Higham, its chief digital and technology officer, is leaving the retailer just over two years after joining.

Higham, who arrived at the business in June 2023, will be taking a career break, the company said.

“Rachel has decided to take a break and is stepping back from her role, having been a valued part of the leadership team,” an M&S spokesperson said in a statement. “She has been a steady hand and calm head at an extraordinary time for the business and we wish her well for the future.”

Ransomware attack

Her departure comes in the wake of a damaging and well publicized cyberattack earlier this year that disrupted services and compromised customer data.

The attack forced M&S to suspend online orders, disable click-and-collect functions, and restrict some in-store contactless payments.

Product availability was also affected as systems were taken offline.

Shortly after announcing the cyberattack in May, the retailer acknowledged that personally identifiable information had been stolen by cybercriminals, but stressed at the time that payment card details, passwords, and one-time passcodes were not part of the breach.

Customers were advised that no immediate action was necessary, although those returning to the M&S ...