Can Kate Bostock help to revive M&S?

Kate Bostock - formerly product director for the George at Asda clothing range - will be M&S' new womenswear director.

M&S' recent womenswear sales have been disappointing, despite the introduction of new clothing ranges and formats.

The move comes days after M&S said chairman Luc Vandevelde was to quit.

In addition to the appointment of Ms Bostock, M&S also announced two new senior appointments at director level in the general merchandise division and a new director for menswear.

Key position

M&S has been struggling to fight off competition from High Street rivals and supermarkets.

The well-received introduction of the new Per Una clothing range has not been enough to solve the retailer's problems.

Last month, the firm reported that clothing sales fell 2.5% in the January-to-March period against the same time last year, and were 0.5% lower over the year.

Womenswear accounts for about 40% of M&S' total clothing sales, and has been the worst performer.

Ms Bostock will take over the womenswear department from Steve Longdon, although it is not yet known when she will begin her new role.

M&S' head of general merchandise, Vittorio Radice, said he was "delighted" at the appointment of Ms Bostock.

"She has outstanding retail flair and excellent all-round skills across design, buying and merchandising as well as a strong appreciation of technology, product quality and sourcing," he said.

"She also brings unrivalled experience in large-scale retailing."