Marks and Spencer Reliance India Ltd has started filling in top key management positions as it builds up to roll out its chain of stores across India.

Marks and Spencer Reliance India chief executive officer Mark Ashman told local press: "We have already filled the positions of chief financial officer, heads of human resources, buying and retail. We are looking out for a local person to head marketing."

The joint venture, in which M&S has 51 per cent and the rest is with Reliance Retail, has already appointed Jatin Luthra as its chief financial officer. Expats from the M&S fold Adam Colton and Spencer Sheen will head buying and retail portfolios respectively.

Shalini Naggar will be responsible for human resources of a company that plans to pump in £29 million into the Indian market over the next five years and set up 50 stores.

"In the long run we are looking at local talent to head the respective teams," said Ashman, adding that in its first year, around 40 executives would be in place, increasing to 55 next year.

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