Business in the Community appoints Stuart Rose as Chairman

Stuart Rose, Chief Executive of Marks & Spencer, is set to become Chairman of Business in the Community from 1 January 2008.

I am proud to be playing a part in a body that has helped businesses to work together to champion responsible business for the past 25 years.

Julia Cleverdon, Chief Executive of Business in the Community, said: “I know I speak on behalf of the entire organisation when I say that I am delighted that Stuart is set to join as Chairman.

“Stuart is a perfect fit for the role, bringing proven experience and leadership. He was awarded The Prince’s Ambassador Award this year and his commitment to a wide range of sustainable, ethical and social issues saw M&S win our Company of the Year award for the second time last year.

“We look forward to working with Stuart, who we know will be a dynamic Chairman, building on the excellent work that Sir Michael Rake has done in the role over the past three years.”

Stuart Rose was appointed Chief Executive of Marks & Spencer in May 2004. He is a non-executive director of Land Securities plc and Chairman of the British Fashion Council. He began his career in retail at Marks & Spencer in 1972 before going on to the Burton Group in 1989. Before re-joining Marks & Spencer as Chief Executive in 2004, he was Chief Executive of Arcadia Group plc from 2000 until 2002.

Stuart Rose said: “I have long admired BITC and have had the opportunity to get to know them well in recent years. I am proud to be playing a part in a body that has helped businesses to work together to champion responsible business for the past 25 years at a time when every business needs to address the major environmental, ethical and social challenges facing our world - challenges which are too large for any one organisation to address alone.”

In January 2007, Stuart launched M&S’ Plan A – a five-year, 100-point eco-plan. By 2012, M&S aims to make its UK and Republic of Ireland operations carbon neutral, send no waste to landfill, extend sustainable sourcing, set new standards in ethical trading and help people choose healthier lifestyles.

Stuart takes over the role of Chairman from Sir Michael Rake, Chairman of BT. Sir Michael Rake chaired Business in the Community for three years from January 2005. M&S was a founding member of BITC.