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10 October 2012 10:50
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Retailer ASOS has appointed former M&S director Kate Bostock to its boardroom, confirming what was described by analysts as one of the "worst-kept secrets" in retailing.
One of the most influential women in British fashion, Ms Bostock has also held senior roles at George at Asda and Next. She will become executive director for product and trading from January.
Ms Bostock said she was "very excited" to be joining the online retailer, which was launched in 2000 and now has more than five million active customers and annual sales of around £500 million.
Ms Bostock, who is the former head of general merchandise at M&S, said: "ASOS is a phenomenon and I'm in awe of the story.
"With its unique mix of own-label and fashion-forward brands delivered online and increasingly through mobile, the potential for ASOS globally is huge."
Her departure from M&S was revealed in July when chief executive Marc Bolland announced plans to bring in Debenhams chief Belinda Earl as style director to hone its fashion range.
ASOS product director Rob Bready, who is credited with playing a key role in the development of ASOS during his seven years on the board, will leave the company, the group added.
Last week, ASOS announced the appointment of former Amazon UK boss Brian McBride as its chairman.
