Howard-Allen is currently managing director of corporate and business communications at Hill & Knowlton in London, one of the biggest PR agencies in the country.
Lofland is set to leave at the end of January. Since she joined in May 2000, she has overseen press and PR at a time even M&S describes as "the most difficult period in the company's history". She plans to take some time before deciding what her next move will be.
The appointment of Lofland was the first time the PR function reported directly to the CEO. Howard-Allen will continue reporting to chairman and CEO Luc Vandevelde and will also take a place on the UK retail board.
The retailer has staged a comeback of late, reporting its strongest Christmas sales for a long time this week.
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