Marks & Spencer CTO resigns amid ongoing impact from cyberattack

Josie Smith, the Chief Technology Officer of Marks & Spencer (M&S), has announced her departure from the company, just 18 months after joining and nine months following a major cyberattack that disrupted the retailer’s online operations for several weeks. Smith, who previously held senior roles at BT Group and Vodafone, will be succeeded by Darren Gibson, M&S’s director of fashion, home, and beauty technology transformation. Her resignation comes shortly after Rachel Higham, the former Chief Digital and Technology Officer, also left the company four months ago. The cyberattack, carried out by a group named Scattered Spider in April, caused significant operational and financial damage, costing the company hundreds of millions of pounds and highlighting the vulnerabilities of major UK businesses to cyber threats. M&S reported that the attack had lingering effects on its sales, contributing to a decline in like-for-like clothing sales during the crucial Christmas period. In addition to Smith’s departure, the company announced that Krista Nordlund, Chief Product Officer, will leave in July to return to the United States. The leadership changes underscore ongoing challenges at M&S as it works to recover from the cyberattack and strengthen its technology and digital infrastructure.