Former Marks & Spencer corporate affairs chief Victoria McKenzie-Gould is leaving her role at the high street retailer to take up a senior position in the fast moving consumer goods sector at The Magnum Ice Cream Company, following its separation from Unilever’s wider business. McKenzie-Gould has been with M&S since 2019, where she assumed responsibility for corporate affairs and worked across reputation management, stakeholder engagement and corporate communications as part of the senior leadership team. Her departure comes during a period of ongoing executive change at M&S, which has been reshaping its leadership structure as part of a broader turnaround strategy. Under chief executive Stuart Machin, the retailer has focused on stabilising its finances, strengthening its food business and restoring competitiveness in clothing, while also refining how it presents itself to investors, policymakers and the public. McKenzie-Gould’s move represents a shift from a UK focused retail environment into a global branded consumer goods operation. At The Magnum Ice Cream Company she is expected to take on responsibility for corporate affairs at a business with an international footprint, operating across multiple markets and regulatory regimes. The role places her at the centre of stakeholder engagement as the company establishes itself as a standalone FMCG player. During her time at M&S, McKenzie-Gould played a central role in navigating the retailer through periods of heightened scrutiny, including supply chain disruption, cost pressures and changing consumer expectations. Her remit covered internal communications as well as external relations, linking corporate strategy with messaging to employees, investors and government stakeholders. The departure follows a series of senior moves at M&S as the group refreshes its executive bench. In recent years the retailer has appointed new leaders across commercial, people and digital functions, while also adjusting board level responsibilities to support its recovery plan. The exit of the corporate affairs chief adds to a list of changes that reflect the evolving shape of the organisation. For the FMCG sector, the appointment highlights continued competition for senior corporate affairs professionals with experience managing complex reputational and regulatory challenges. Consumer goods companies have been increasing their focus on public policy, sustainability and global communications as they operate in more contested political and social environments. McKenzie-Gould’s transition also reflects a broader pattern of movement between retail and FMCG, where skills in stakeholder management and corporate positioning are increasingly transferable. As brands face pressure from governments, campaigners and investors, experienced communications leaders are seen as critical to maintaining trust and operational flexibility. M&S is expected to announce arrangements for the corporate affairs function in due course, either through an internal appointment or an external hire. The retailer continues to pursue its strategy of simplifying operations, strengthening core categories and rebuilding long term growth, with corporate affairs remaining a key interface between the business and its wider stakeholders....