M&S has brought in senior executives from Aldi and Morrisons to strengthen its food business.

Aldi's Managing Director for National IT, Ecommerce, and Transformation, Kara Greatorex, joins M&S as Chief Commercial Officer. Meanwhile, Jon Downes, Morrisons' Commercial Director for Ambient and Non-Food, will report to her as Supply Chain and Commercial Operations Director.

Kara Greatorex, who has spent 15 years at Aldi in roles such as Buying Director and Managing Director for Stores, will replace Paul Friston, who is leaving the business in October after 28 years.

Greatorex will take up her new role at the retail giant next month, as reported by Retail Week. To familiarize herself with M&S staff and customers, she will spend her first month working in store.

Downes, who has been with Morrisons since 2015 and previously spent 14 years at Tesco in buying and sourcing, will replace Neil Adams. Adams is moving to the retailer’s property team.

M&S Food boss Alex Freudmann said: “I’m delighted that Kara has agreed to join M&S Food. She brings deep commercial experience in buying, store operations, marketing and transformation.

“As we continue our work to transform M&S Food by investing in quality, value and innovation for customers and by building more strategic relationships with the very best suppliers, Kara’s experience and passion for product will be a great addition to the team.

“Paul has made a significant contribution to our business, leading across finance, international and most recently as part of my leadership team in food. We wish him the very best for the future.”

Greatorex added: “I couldn’t be more excited about joining the M&S Food team. It’s a retailer I’ve always loved and admired and having the opportunity to be a part of the ongoing transformation is fantastic.”