M&S chairman Robert Swannell to retire in 2017

British retailer Marks & Spencer has kicked off the search for a new chairman after Robert Swannell informed the board he would retire in 2017, having served six years in the post.

The clothing and food group said Vindi Banga, its senior independent director, would lead a process to identify and appoint the next chairman.

Swannell, 66, will continue in his role until this process is complete.

Under Swannell's watch the board promoted company veteran Steve Rowe to the CEO role. His priority has been trying to turn around M&S's underperforming clothing and homewares business.

"A year ago we chose Steve Rowe as our chief executive. Steve completed a thorough analysis of the business and developed a detailed plan to build a simpler and more relevant M&S," said Swannell. "This plan is now underway and I feel that it is the right time for the business to look for a new chairman."

In November, Rowe moved to the second phase of his strategy, outlining plans to shut scores of stores at home and abroad at a cost of up to £550m.

Shares in M&S, which have fallen 23% over the last year, were up 0.3% at 344.4p at 11:08 GMT, valuing the business at £5.5bn.