Mr Singer, who was Dixons Retail’s finance director from 2011 and continued in the role after its merger with Carphone Warehouse in 2014, will succeed Helen Weir.

Ms Weir will leave M&S at the end of March to pursue a “portfolio career” while Mr Singer is expected to move in July.

M&S chief executive Steve Rowe said: “As we embark on our five-year transformation programme, Humphrey will be a great addition to the top team. 

“His experience as part of the team that led Dixons through its period of change and migration to multi-channel retailer is most relevant to what we are undertaking here. 

“This, coupled with his retail expertise and eye for detail and cost, will be very important to our team dynamic as we move forward.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Helen for her significant contribution to M&S over the last three years and wish her all the very best for the future.”

Mr Singer said: “Under Steve M&S is changing and there’s no better time to be joining the team that is transforming the business.”