Mishra leaves after a 13-year stint with Marks and Spencer Reliance India, where he rose through the ranks from manager merchandising to Managing Director
New Delhi: Ritesh Mishra, managing director of Marks & Spencer (M&S) in India, has quit the company, one year and 10 months after Marks and Spencer Reliance India Pvt. Ltd. had elevated him to the top job, according to two people familiar with the development.
“It was announced yesterday,” said a person familiar with the development. There is, however, no clarity on Mishra’s further plans, the source said. He said Mishra on Tuesday gathered the staff in a townhall-style “huddle” in M&S India headquarter in Gurugram and then broke the news about his departure.
“He said its time for him to move on,” said the second person. Mishra followed it up by sending an email to staff about his decision. However, M&S hasn’t told the staff how long will Mishra serve his notice period or anything about his successor.
Mishra is leaving M&S after a long 13-year stint and his departure comes at a time when the British department store chain has been expanding its footprints here.
Mishra did not respond to calls and WhatsApp messages. An M&S India spokesperson declined to comment.
Mishra has risen through the ranks at Marks and Spencer Reliance from manager of merchandising to managing director in India, according to his LinkedIn profile. He was elevated to the India top job in April 2021 when he got promoted from his earlier role as head of retail – operations and property in India for the UK-based company.
The global apparel, food and homeware retailer forged a joint venture partnership with Reliance in 2008 after a failed franchisee venture in India. It is currently present across 100 markets globally through local partners and online channels.
In India, M&S reached the milestone of 100 stores in October when it rolled out its store at Linking Road, Santacruz West in Mumbai.
