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Management Division Advisory Board

Allison Houston

  • Company: Marks & Spencer and University of Leeds Partnership

As overall Head of the Archive function at Marks & Spencer since 2009, Alison has been responsible for delivering the multimillion pound relocation of the M&S Company Archive to its permanent new home in Leeds, the result of a four year project and delivery plan which launched to the public in March 2012.

Now splitting her time between London and Leeds, Alison remains responsible for all aspects of the archive function, ensuring that the archive is used as a key business asset for inspiring the future whilst preserving our M&S heritage. She is a member of the Top 100 within Marks & Spencer and acts as the senior lead on M&S’ unique partnership with the University of Leeds.

Alison has a strong commercial background having worked in the Company for over 20 years with previous roles in stores and HR management, including having worked overseas in Eire for five years where she was responsible for the unionised workforce at a time of significant business growth. Externally Alison is an active school governor, chairing the personnel committee of a large state grammar school.