Freudmann, who is currently managing director of Australian beer, wine and spirits retailer Dan Murphy's, will join M&S as MD of food on Nov. 1 and will sit on its executive committee.

Freudmann has also worked for Coles in Australia and British market leader Tesco.

While at Coles he worked with Machin and current M&S Chairman Archie Norman.

Machin succeeded Steve Rowe as M&S Chief Executive on May 25.

Freudmann said he shared the executive team's belief in the long-term potential to double the size of the M&S food business.

(Reporting James Davey in London and Aby Jose Koilparambil in Bengaluru; Editing by Uttaresh.V and David Goodman)