M&S appoints former Permira partner non-executive director

Marks & Spencer Group has appointed a former Permira partner to its board, the retailer confirmed on Friday.

Cheryl Potter will join M&S as a non-executive director and member of the nomination committee on 1 March.

Potter, who worked at Permira for 20 years, was head of the global consumer team at the private equity firm. She also served on the boards of a number of retail and consumer-facing brands, including Dr Martens and Polish e-commerce firm Allegro.

Archie Norman, M&S chair, said Potter was a "superstar" of the private equity world. He continued: "She brings enormous energy, passion and a strong shareholder value focus to the board, as well as a great track record as a role model and advocate of women in leadership."

Potter, who left Permira in 2019, is a patron of The Prince’s Trust Women Supporting Women scheme and chair of Level 20, an organisation focused on getting more women into senior investing roles in the private equity industry.

She is also a former chair of the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association.