Troubled retailer Marks & Spencer has announced cuts to its board of directors including Jean Tomlin, Human Resources Director.

Disappointing results were the trigger for the board reshuffle.

Interim results for 2004/2005 show that pre-tax profits for the six months to 2 October fell to £292.7m, down from £325m a year ago. While UK sales were reported to be down 0.4% at £3,307.6m.

Chief Executive Stuart Rose has vowed to refocus the business on ‘customers’ in a bid to get the operation back on track.

Commenting on the board changes, he said:

“I have today announced substantial changes to the senior management team and on how we will operate the business in the future. These departures are not a reflection of the talents or qualities of the people involved. They have served the company well and I would like to thank them all for the substantial contributions they have made.

“However, if we are to succeed we need to change how M&S is led and how it operates.”

Rose is parachuting in some familiar faces with former Arcadia HR Director, Keith Cameron taking over from Tomlin. Rose was formerly chief executive of the Arcadia retail chain.