Finance
M&S says chief technology officer Smith leaves business
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 20, 2026
1 min readLast updated: January 20, 2026
Quick Summary
M&S tech chief Josie Smith resigns after a cyberattack that cost £300 million in lost profit, according to Sky News.
M&S Announces Departure of Chief Technology Officer Josie Smith
M&S Leadership Changes and Cybersecurity Challenges
Jan 20 (Reuters) - Marks & Spencer's chief technology officer Josie Smith has left the business, the British clothing and food retailer said on Tuesday.
Impact of Cyberattack on Online Sales
Smith's departure comes less than a year after an April cyberattack paralysed M&S' online sales, costing about 300 million pounds ($404 million) in lost profit.
Recent Leadership Departures at M&S
"Josie Smith, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), has decided to leave M&S. We thank Josie for her significant contributions, and wish her well for the future," an M&S spokesperson said, confirming an earlier Sky News report.
M&S Performance During Holiday Season
Smith's departure comes four months after Rachel Higham quit as M&S' chief digital and technology officer. Smith previously reported to Higham.
Earlier this month, M&S reported strong demand for its food at Christmas but its shoppers spent less on fashion, home and beauty in its stores, with the firm partly blaming the lingering impact of the cyber hack.
($1 = 0.7422 pounds)
(Reporting by Yamini Kalia in Bengaluru and James Davey in London, Editing by Shilpi Majumdar, Kirsten Donovan)
Key Takeaways
- •M&S tech chief Josie Smith resigns.
- •Cyberattack cost M&S £300 million in profit.
- •Leadership changes follow the attack.
- •Sky News reports on the resignation.
- •Impact on M&S operations was significant.
Frequently Asked Questions about M&S says chief technology officer Smith leaves business
1What is a cyberattack?
A cyberattack is a malicious attempt to damage or disrupt a computer network or system. It can involve stealing, altering, or destroying data, and often targets organizations to gain unauthorized access.
2What is financial loss?
Financial loss refers to a decrease in monetary value or profit due to various factors, such as operational disruptions, theft, or market fluctuations. It can significantly impact a company's bottom line.
3What is leadership change?
Leadership change occurs when there is a transition in key management positions within an organization. This can happen due to resignations, retirements, or restructuring, affecting company strategy and direction.
4What is technology in retail?
Technology in retail encompasses various digital tools and systems that enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and improve inventory management. Examples include e-commerce platforms, mobile payment systems, and data analytics.
5What is a technology chief?
A technology chief, often referred to as a Chief Technology Officer (CTO), is an executive responsible for overseeing an organization's technological development and strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals.
