The simultaneous resolution of succession questions at both Marks and Spencer and ITV is like being blitzed by retailers' pre-Christmas advertising campaigns. Suddenly the screen is filled with smiling celebrities, but instead of Twiggy, Stephen Fry and Wallace and Gromit , the stars are Sir Stuart Rose, Michael Grade, Archie Norman and Marc Bolland.
M&S's appointment of the suave Mr Bolland as chief executive is great news for the retailer, for several reasons.
