ON THE BOARD: Bupa boss Evelyn Bourke joins M&S

ON THE BOARD: Bupa boss Evelyn Bourke joins M&S as a non-executive director

Bupa boss Evelyn Bourke will take up the role of non-executive director at M&S from February 1

Marks & Spencer has recruited Bupa boss Evelyn Bourke as non-executive director from February 1.

She was one of the first two women in Ireland to qualify as an actuary. 

Her new role is far removed from her childhood helping to milk cows and walk dogs on a farm in Tipperary.

During her five-year tenure as boss of Bupa, Bourke has focused on investing in staff and technology, experience which will make her valuable as M&S pushes its online service. 

She has also worked at Standard Life and Friends Provident.