Barry, who has led the high street stalwart’s ‘Plan A’ strategy aimed at transforming the business into the “most sustainable retailer in the UK”, will leave the position on June 30 after 14 years in the chain’s sustainability team.

He will be succeeded by M&S’ current head of sustainable business, Carmel McQuaid.

Barry became M&S’ head of sustainable business in 2005 and played a central role in developing and implementing ‘Plan A’, which launched in 2007.