Phil Townsend
Raw Materials Manager
M&S
About Phil Townsend
Phil is responsible for developing specialist knowledge for sourcing sustainable raw materials. Working with the Plan A team, he leads the development and implementation of the key raw material strategies used within M&S. He also works on other projects to develop sustainable supply chains from farm to store - including traceability, dye-house efficiencies, chemical compliance and creating innovative and sustainable products.
Phil is the Vice Chairman of the BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) Council and has led the ZDHC program at M&S for the last 4 years.
Phil has spent over 20 years at M&S. Prior to his current role he worked as a Product Technologist, where he was responsible for product development, supply chain management, innovation and quality management.
About M&S
Founded in 1884, M&S has grown from a single market stall to an international, multi-channel retailer. M&S sell high quality, great value products to 32 million customers through 914 UK stores and an e-commerce platform. The business is built upon strong values of innovation, inspiration, integrity and in-touch. These values have been at the heart of how M&S do business since starting out as a Penny Bazaar at Leeds Kirkgate Market in 1884.
M&S have launched a new sustainability plan - Plan A 2025. This eco and ethical programme is an ambitious, customer focused plan that builds on the success of the first 10 years of Plan A and will support 1000 communities, help 10 million people live happier, healthier lives and convert M&S into a zero-waste business.