Marks and Spencer veteran Simon Wood moves on from UK retail giant after helping to build digital ops
Simon Wood has announced his departure from M&S, where he spent over 25 years, most recently serving as Head of Operations - M&S.com.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: "After more than 25 years, the time has come for me to move on from M&S. I joined the online team in 2000 and have had the privilege of helping to build M&S’s digital operations into what they are today. It has been an incredible journey filled with challenges, opportunities, and achievements that I will always be proud of."
He added: "Along the way, I’ve had the pleasure of working with so many talented colleagues and leaders. Looking back, my list of managers reads like a who’s who of retail, and I’m grateful to every one of them for their guidance, support, and the lessons we have all learnt over the years."
Wood concluded: "After 25 years, closing this chapter is bittersweet. But it’s also the start of an exciting new one. I’m looking forward to sharing what’s next very soon. Until then, thank you, M&S, for the memories, the friendships, and an unforgettable career."
NDC
Marks & Spencer recently began construction on its new automated national distribution centre (NDC) in Northamptonshire.
To mark the start of the build, Michelle Elliman, from M&S Rugby store joined Kevin Bennett, CEO at Gist (M&S Food’s logistics arm), Stuart Andrew, MP for Daventry and Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and Prologis for an on-site steel signing ceremony.
This recognised the start of construction on the 1.3 million sqft facility, celebrating the largest supply chain investment in M&S history and a major step toward doubling the size of the Food business. The retailer says that the site will significantly increase capacity, reduce long‑term cost to serve, and improve product availability for customers.
Over 200 M&S Food stores will be serviced by the new DC.
Bennett said: “Starting the build on this site marks a major step in transforming M&S into a true destination for the weekly shop, with a modernised supply chain at the heart of that ambition. This investment will boost capacity for future growth, lower our long‑term cost to serve, and improve product availability so customers get the right products in the right place at the right time.”
“With construction underway, this new site strengthens our network and puts us ahead of the volume curve as we build a bigger, better Food business. By deploying the latest proven automation, we’re future‑proofing our operations and UK retail logistics, while creating 1,000 permanent jobs on site.”
James Hemstock, Vice President of Capital Deployment at Prologis UK, said: “This construction milestone reflects the incredible strength of collaboration behind this project. Working closely with M&S, Gist, Winvic and West Northamptonshire Council, this project from the outset has been shaped by a shared commitment to quality, sustainability and long-term value."
The NDC will use automation to boost efficiency, accuracy and ease of restocking, including pallet cranes, high speed shuttles and hands‑free picking. It is designed to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating, with sustainability features such as recycled materials, rooftop solar, rainwater harvesting, EV charging and a dedicated vehicle maintenance unit.
