Marks & Spencer has a new chairman

LONDON (Reuters) - British retailer Marks & Spencer has appointed industry veteran Archie Norman as its new chairman, it said on Friday.

Norman will start his new job on September 1, succeeding Robert Swannell, who will retire from the board on that date.

Norman is a former director of home improvement retailer Kingfisher, supermarket Asda, and a former chairman of broadcaster ITV.

Norman says in a statement: "I am looking forward to taking on the role of the Chairmanship of Marks & Spencer as the business under Steve Rowe's leadership faces into the considerable challenges ahead in a rapidly changing retail landscape."

Norman is the second new senior appointee at M&S this week. Halfords CEO Jill McDonald was poached to run Marks & Spencer's crucial clothing division on Wednesday.

Outgoing chair Swannell says in a statement on Friday: "I am delighted that Archie, with his deep, relevant experience is to be M&S's next Chairman.

"With the appointment of Steve Rowe in 2016, I am confident that we have an excellent team, well-equipped to grow and strengthen the business. I wish them all the very best for the future."

M&S has faced years of decline in its once mighty clothing business and is trying to repair the damage, as well as continue to grow its strong food business. However, fashion retailers are set for a tough year as inflation hits consumers in their pockets.

(Reporting by James Davey, Editing by Paul Sandle)