Finance
M&S digital chief exits months after damaging hack
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on September 11, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 21, 2026
Global Banking and Finance Review
Company
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on September 11, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 21, 2026
M&S digital chief resigns after a major cyberattack, impacting financial forecasts. Leadership roles are restructured as the company navigates challenges.
(Reuters) - Marks & Spencer's chief digital and technology officer is stepping down from her role, months after a cyberattack crippled its online operations, the British retailer said on Thursday.
An M&S spokesperson said that Rachel Higham, who joined the group last June, was taking a career break.
"Rachel has decided to take a break and is stepping back from her role, having been a valued part of the leadership team," the spokesperson said.
"She has been a steady hand and calm head at an extraordinary time for the business and we wish her well for the future."
News of her departure was first reported by Sky News.
In May, M&S forecast that the hacking of its systems would cost it about 300 million pounds ($405 million) in lost operating profit in its 2025/26 financial year, though it hoped to halve that impact through insurance and cost controls.
The M&S spokesperson said Higham's exit had prompted a wider reshuffle of responsibilities.
M&S veteran Sacha Berendji will take on the digital and technology function in addition to his leadership of property and store development.
Also, Thinus Keeve, who joined the business as retail director in June, reporting to Berendji, will now report directly to Chief Executive Stuart Machin.
Shares in M&S are down 8.5% so far this year.
(Reporting by James Davey in London and Raechel Thankam Job in Bengaluru; Editing by Sachin Ravikumar)
A cyberattack is a malicious attempt to damage or disrupt a computer network or system. It can involve stealing, altering, or destroying data, often leading to significant financial losses.
Digital transformation refers to the integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, fundamentally changing how it operates and delivers value to customers.
Insurance is a financial product that provides protection against financial loss or risk. It involves paying a premium to an insurer in exchange for coverage in case of specific events.
Financial implications refer to the potential financial consequences or effects that a decision, event, or action may have on an organization or individual.
Leadership restructuring involves changing the organization of a company's leadership team, often to improve efficiency, address challenges, or adapt to new business environments.
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