Marc Bolland, the former chief executive of UK grocer Morrisons, will officially take the helm at rival Marks and Spencer in May.

The Dutchman agreed to take the top job at M&S in November but has since been in discussions with Morrisons over his departure date.

M&S said today (1 February) that the company was “delighted” to announce Bolland would be joining the business on 1 May.

In a short statement to the London Stock Exchange, Morrisons thanked Bolland for his “contribution to the development of the company”.

Under the stewardship of the former Heineken executive, Morrisons put the problematic integration of Safeway behind the company and, using a marketing campaign focused on fresh food and value, posted months of strong sales and earnings growth.

Last week, Morrisons named former Loblaw and Wal-Mart executive Dalton Philips as its new chief executive. The 41-year-old Irishman will begin in the role next month.

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