Former Marks & Spencer retail director Helen Milford, who stood down from her role with M&S in September, will join the Hays board on 1 January as a non-executive director, where she will sit alongside travel luminaries such as Jo Rzymowska and Lisa McAuley.

Hays said Milford was a "key contributor" to M&S’s turnaround plan. She has also held roles with Boots, Asda, Argos and Sainsbury’s.

Hailing from Seaham, where John Hays opened his first agency in 1980, Milford studied at the University of Sunderland, graduating with a first-class degree in pharmacy. She went on to join Boots the Chemist, starting her 35-year retail career.

After leaving M&S, she is now pursuing advisory and consultative roles, including as non-executive director of and advisor to Age UK. She has relocated back to the north-east after 25 years away.

Milford, who attended Hays’ recent retail conference in Portugal, said she was joining Hays at a "pivotal and exciting time" as it continues to grow. "I booked my first holiday at the Seaham branch of Hays Travel, where it all started and where I grew up," she said.

"What I witnessed at conference was Hays Travel’s clear focus on developing talent and allowing people to bring their whole self to work. It is no surprise their workforce is so engaged, and as we know – happy colleagues means happy customers.

"I am really looking forward to working with Dame Irene and the Hays Travel board - bringing what I have learned during my extensive career in retail to offer my support, advice, and challenge as the business continues to grow and develop."

Dame Irene Hays added: “We could not be happier that Helen is joining our board as a non-executive director, bringing with her unparalleled experience across retail, people, and transformation. She shares our values, and - just like Hays Travel - was born in Seaham right here in the north east of England.

"We have had an exceptional year and seen our retail operation flourish and expand, making now the right time for us to seek advice and challenge. Helen is the perfect fit for Hays Travel and we are looking forward to working with her in the new year."