Halfords boss in move to M&S to turn around struggling clothing lines

Marks and Spencer has poached the head of UK car-parts seller Halfords to lead the turnaround of its struggling clothing business, handing one of the industry’s toughest tasks to a fashion novice.

Jill McDonald will start at the clothing giant in the autumn, having resigned from Halfords after just two years in the job, the companies said in separate statements.

In her new role, Ms McDonald will be responsible for turnaround plans at a division that showed signs of revival during the Christmas season after a five-year sales slump.