Rose fashions M&S top job for Bolland

The Dutchman will take up the position, widely considered to be the most sought after in UK retailing, in the New Year.

Bolland is the rising star of the sector after a highly successful stint at the formerly failing Bradford grocer.

But there are gaps in his CV -- notably his lack of fashion experience, which will be key to running Britain's biggest clothing chain.

Rose immediately sprung to the defence of the Marks CEO-elect: "He might not know whether to buy a pink, green or blue dress. But he will inherit a management team who do know the difference."

"This might have been an issue in 2004, but it's not in 2009," Rose added.

"We were looking for someone to take on the business for the next decade.

"Marc has both turn-around and international experience, and the energy and youth to develop the team.

"He also has the desire to do it and I'm confident he's ticked all the boxes."

Rose will move to a part-time role as chairman before bowing out completely by July 2011.

The appointment is a coup for M&S following Bolland's recent success in turning around the UK's fourth largest supermarket group.

The marketing man, who spent most of his career at brewer Heineken, has overseen a resurgent performance at Morrisons since joining in September

2006. He had previously ruled himself out of the running for the Marks job.

Sources say his appointment came as a bombshell to the food retailer which posts its third quarter trading update today.

The City showed its pleasure sending M&S shares up 21.7p to Bolland's appointment was welcomed by Sir Richard Greenbury, chairman and chief executive of M&S at the height of its success.

He told the Mail: "I think they have made the right choice and that's based on the success he has made in integrating Morrisons and Safeways.

"At Morrisons he has focused on quality and that's what M&S is all about -- it's all about quality rather than price."

M&S will hope the conclusion of its three month search will draw a line under the storm over Rose's dual role.

He changed his job from chief executive in June 2008 to combine the role of chairman and chief executive.

But the firm was widely criticised by its shareholders.

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