M&S new CEO will take charge of firm struggling to stay ahead of competition

London

WHEN Steve Rowe takes over the top job at Marks & Spencer (M&S) in April, the 48-year-old soccer-loving Londoner will have to succeed where many others have failed: enticing women to spend on the British institution's fashion.

The 26-year M&S veteran takes charge of a firm struggling to compete in the cut-throat retail sector despite outgoing boss Marc Bolland spending billions modernising the 132-year-old firm's stores, supply chain, logistics and website.

While the building blocks are now in place, Thursday's Christmas trading update accompanying the news of the dapper Dutchman's departure revealed the work…