Revealed: M&S's Secret Talks With EasyJet CEO

Carolyn McCall, the chief executive of easyJet, held secret talks about becoming the new boss of Marks & Spencer (Other OTC: MAKSY - news) (M&S) prior to the retailer appointing a leading internal candidate to the job last week.

Sky News understands that Ms McCall was in discussions with M&S's board, led by its chairman Robert Swannell, until shortly before the announcement that Marc Bolland would step down in April (LSE: 0N69.L - news) after six years with the company.

M&S said last week that Steve Rowe, the executive director of M&S's key general merchandise division - which includes clothing - would replace Mr Bolland in April.

One City source suggested on Tuesday that the talks with Ms McCall got as far as a contract being drawn up, although the accuracy of that claim was unclear.

Mr Swannell told journalists last week that Mr Rowe had only discovered that he would be appointed to succeed Mr Bolland less than 48 hours before the announcement.

He declined to say whether he had approached external candidates but said the process had been "the most rigorous succession planning" he had been involved in.

"Steve has a deep knowledge of Marks & Spencer and a proven track record of delivering results in key parts of the business," Mr Swannell said.

"The nomination committee was unanimous in supporting Steve’s appointment in the light of his considerable knowledge of the business and its people, his appetite to continue the process of change, particularly in general merchandise, his perceptive and effective problem-solving, his values and his observed leadership."

It (Other OTC: ITGL - news) is unclear whether Ms McCall withdrew from her discussions with M&S or whether the retailer's board ultimately decided to opt for continuity given the challenges confronting it as it attempts to arrest falling clothing sales.

The company's performance during the crucial Christmas trading period was mixed, with a modest improvement in food sales leading to M&S hailing its "best-ever" festive period.

Like-for-like general merchandise sales fell by 5.8% for the second consecutive year, with one of Mr Rowe's first tasks being to pick a new head for the clothing business.

Ms McCall, who ran Guardian Media Group before joining easyJet, has turned easyJet into one of Europe's best-performing airlines since arriving in 2010.

One person close to her said on Tuesday that she remained fully committed to her job at the airline.

M&S and easyJet both declined to comment.