Finance

Justin King quits board of British retailer M&S

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on August 20, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 22, 2026

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Justin King quits board of British retailer M&S
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LONDON (Reuters) -Justin King, one of Britain's most prominent business figures, will quit the board of Marks & Spencer next month, the retailer said on Wednesday. Media reports last month said King

Justin King quits board of British retailer M&S

LONDON (Reuters) -Justin King, one of Britain's most prominent business figures, will quit the board of Marks & Spencer next month, the retailer said on Wednesday.

Media reports last month said King was the frontrunner to take over as chair of publicly owned UK broadcaster Channel 4.

Reuters has asked Channel 4 to comment.

M&S said King, a non-executive director since 2019 and a former head of its food business, had informed the board he intended to step down on September 10.

King, also a former boss of supermarket Sainsbury's, was once considered by analysts as a possible successor to M&S chairman Archie Norman, who has held the role since 2017.

Britain's corporate governance code recommends a maximum nine-year tenure for a chair.

Norman said King "leaves as a lifelong friend of the business".    

M&S is recovering after a cyberattack in April crippled its online business. Its shares are down 6% so far this year.

(Reporting by James Davey; editing by Barbara Lewis)

Key Takeaways

  • Justin King to leave M&S board in September.
  • Speculation about King taking over as Channel 4 chair.
  • King has been a non-executive director at M&S since 2019.
  • M&S recovering from a recent cyberattack.
  • M&S shares have dropped 6% this year.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Justin King stepping down from the M&S board?
Justin King intends to step down from the Marks & Spencer board on September 10.
What position was Justin King considered for after leaving M&S?
Justin King was reported to be the frontrunner to take over as chair of Channel 4.
How long has Justin King been a non-executive director at M&S?
Justin King has been a non-executive director at Marks & Spencer since 2019.
What challenges is M&S currently facing?
Marks & Spencer is recovering from a cyberattack in April that crippled its online business, and its shares are down 6% this year.
What did Archie Norman say about Justin King's departure?
Archie Norman stated that Justin King leaves as a lifelong friend of the business.

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