M&S axes IT director in night of the long knives

Marks and Spencer (M&S) IT and Logistics director, John Sacher CBE has been sacked in a radical reshuffling of the retailer's top jobs. He is one of 31 out of 125 top M&S executives to lose their jobs.

The shake-up is part of new CEO, Peter Salisbury's strategy to establish clearer lines of accountability and give greater decision making powers to managers closer to the customer, according to a written statement from the company.

In the statement, Salisbury thanked those who were leaving for their hard work, loyalty and contribution to the company. "Decision making will be devolved, enabling us to respond more effectively to our customers and compete better in all our markets," he said.

Keith Bogg, divisional director at the company, who was also Sacher's second in command, will take on responsibility for IT strategy.

The departing Sacher also holds executive positions at Jerry's Home Store, the Whitehall and Industry Group and WIB Publications.