Harris is currently finance director – food at Marks & Spencer. She brings experience from a variety of senior roles in major consumer-focused retail businesses, with a track record of “creating shareholder value through partnering, commerciality, and critical thinking.”
The incoming CFO will also become an executive director. Harris will be formally appointed when a full and complete handover is completed, which is expected to take place in early summer 2026.
Pivotal role
Her appointment comes after Jones indicated to the board earlier this year that he was contemplating retiring from full-time work.
Jones joined M&B in 2010 and has played a pivotal role in developing the business, while overseeing the strengthening of the balance sheet and navigating the challenges presented by Covid and cost inflation.
M&B chair Bob Ivell said: “On behalf of the board I would like to thank Tim for his exceptional contribution to the success of M&B over a fifteen-year period.
“His financial leadership, professionalism and engagement, particularly during the extremely challenging and volatile conditions the sector has experienced in the past few years, has been a key factor in positioning us strongly for future success. We wish him all the very best in his retirement.”
Strong position
Ivell continued: “We are delighted that, after a wide-ranging thorough search, Emma will be succeeding Tim, and we look forward to welcoming her into the business.
“Emma has demonstrated a strong track record leading finance teams in a wide variety of roles within Asda, Walgreens Boots Alliance and Marks and Spencer, all very successful retail businesses, and we look forward to working with her to capitalise on our strong competitive and financial position to continue to build value into the future.”
M&B chief executive Phil Urban added: “Tim has been a valued right-hand to me through the last ten years and I am very grateful for the support he has always given to me. Although I will be sorry to see him go, he has more than earned his retirement and leaves a business that is now in a very strong financial position.
“I now look forward to working with Emma, who I believe is a perfect cultural fit for M&B, and who will build on the foundations that Tim has created, bringing with her a wealth of retail expertise and experience which will add further value to our business.”
- This story originally appeared in The Morning Advertiser’s sister publication MCA here.
