News roundup--Marks and Spencer, Asos, more

Marks & Spencer has confirmed that Kate Bostock, currently executive director of general merchandise, will be leaving the company in October “by mutual consent” to pursue other interests. Bostock is rumoured to be tipped for the role of chief executive at Asos. Replacing Bostock at M&S is John Dixon, currently executive director of food and previously director for home and direct. As group sales dipped 0.7 percent in the first quarter, the retailer announced more reshuffling at the top:  Belinda Earl, the former chief executive of Debenhams, Jaeger and Aquascutum, takes up the role of style director from 1st September; Steve Rowe currently director of retail, will be appointed executive director food, effective 1st October; Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne joins the company from 1st September 2012 in the new role of corporate director of strategy implementation and business development.

 
Another solid trading update from apparel etailer Asos; retail sales are up 31 percent to £137 million for the three months ending June. A growth of 8 percent in the UK was “particularly encouraging”, said chief executive Nick Robertson. Asos’s international business grew by 49 percent driven by a strong performance in the US. International sales now represent 65 percent of the total, up from 57 percent last year.

Mail order brand Grattan celebrates its centenary with a fashion show in Bradford. The Telegraph & Argus has more.