Michael Marks was originally born in 1859 in Slonim, then part of the Russian Poland. He escaped anti-Jewish repression and moved to England around 1882. He was unable to speak English, had few friends and little money. However he had a sharp mind for business and understood what customers wanted.
At first he traveled the towns and villages of West Yorkshire, selling wares from his bag. He soon set up a permanent market stall in Leeds which developed into a successful retail business. He was unusual at the time for displaying all his goods, with clearly priced labels.
Michael was remembered after his death as a great philanthropist. His generosity was well known and the attendance at his funeral was the largest known at the Manchester Jewish cemetery.
Tom Spencer
Tom was a practical and plain speaking Yorkshire-man. He took an immediate liking to the affable Marks despite their different backgrounds. Whilst good natured, Spencer was loud and burly in character, in contrast to Marks. He was also well organized and had a keen eye for minute detail.
In 1894 he invested £300 into Marks' company, in exchange for half ownership. By 1898, this had expanded to £1,094. Whilst not a staggeringly large amount of money, this figure provided a comfortable income. Tom retired from M&S in 1903 to follow his dream of becoming a farmer. His wife, Agnes Spencer, was a great supporter of Simon Marks, and was heavily involved in the company's charitable work right up until her death in 1959
Simon Marks, Lord Marks of Broughton
Michael Marks' son Simon became Chairman in 1916, at the young age of 28. He is perhaps the most important chairman in the history of M&S. He presided over the greatest period of change and expansion of M&S from the 1930s - 1960s. He developed the 'St Michael' brand which M&S was famous for through most of the 20th Century.
He worked tirelessly to improve and modernize the company. He adopted the revolutionary policy of dealing directly with manufacturers, allowing M&S to sell the highest quality goods at the lowest possible price. Simon was keen to explore how science and technology could improve the business. He also wanted to improve human relations between customers, staff and management. He died at his desk in 1964, after 48 years as Chairman.
Israel Sieff
Simon's closest childhood friend was made Vice Chairman in 1926. Improving the business during the Great Depression, he reacted by placing emphasis on the social wellbeing of M&S staff and customers. Encouraged by the government, he also expanded the company in the U.S.A during the Second World War. Israel was made Chairman upon Simon's death in 1964 and retired three years later. His contribution is summed up in his own words: "It is not so much the development of Marks & Spencer as a trading organization in which I rejoice, but in its growth and maturing as a function of society."
J. Edward Sieff
J. Edward Sieff, known as Teddy, was Israel's younger brother. He rose to prominence in the company after playing an important role in the every day running of the company during the war. He was Chairman between 1967 and 1972. During his time as chairman, company profits and turnover (sales) nearly doubled.
Teddy Sieff was at the forefront of using new technology to improve the quality of products, particularly textiles. He formed the 'Merchandising Committee' which was the first practical attempt to co-ordinate the buying departments and link them with the technical departments.
Marcus Sieff, Lord Sieff of Brimpton
Israel's son, Marcus, first joined the company in the 1930s. Marcus was Chairman of the company from 1972 until 1982. He'd already led a fascinating life before joining Marks & Spencer including studying economics at Cambridge University. During the war he became a colonel in the Royal Artillery and served in North Africa and Italy.
He was extremely important to the development of the food group and pioneered the high quality standards which M&S became famous for. Marcus was particularly well known for his dedication to staff relations. He believed happy workers were efficient workers, and further improved staff welfare standards.
Harry Sacher
Harry Sacher married Simon Marks' sister Miriam in 1915. He was a close friend of Simon's and Israel Sieff and he joined the company in 1926, before becoming a director in 1932 - a roll he held for over 30 years. His unpublished history of Marks & Spencer is held in the M&S Company Archive. Harry had a strong commitment to the business, which he instilled in his family, with both of his sons eventually becoming members of the Board. Harry was also a Leader Writer for the Manchester Guardian, and a well respected historian.
Michael Marks was originally born in 1859 in Slonim, then part of the Russian Poland. He escaped anti-Jewish repression and moved to England around 1882. He was unable to speak English, had few friends and little money. However he had a sharp mind for business and understood what customers wanted. 
Tom was a practical and plain speaking Yorkshire-man. He took an immediate liking to the affable Marks despite their different backgrounds. Whilst good natured, Spencer was loud and burly in character, in contrast to Marks. He was also well organized and had a keen eye for minute detail. 
Michael Marks' son Simon became Chairman in 1916, at the young age of 28. He is perhaps the most important chairman in the history of M&S. He presided over the greatest period of change and expansion of M&S from the 1930s - 1960s. He developed the 'St Michael' brand which M&S was famous for through most of the 20th Century. 
Simon's closest childhood friend was made Vice Chairman in 1926. Improving the business during the Great Depression, he reacted by placing emphasis on the social wellbeing of M&S staff and customers. Encouraged by the government, he also expanded the company in the U.S.A during the Second World War. Israel was made Chairman upon Simon's death in 1964 and retired three years later. His contribution is summed up in his own words: "It is not so much the development of Marks & Spencer as a trading organization in which I rejoice, but in its growth and maturing as a function of society." 
J. Edward Sieff, known as Teddy, was Israel's younger brother. He rose to prominence in the company after playing an important role in the every day running of the company during the war. He was Chairman between 1967 and 1972. During his time as chairman, company profits and turnover (sales) nearly doubled.
Israel's son, Marcus, first joined the company in the 1930s. Marcus was Chairman of the company from 1972 until 1982. He'd already led a fascinating life before joining Marks & Spencer including studying economics at Cambridge University. During the war he became a colonel in the Royal Artillery and served in North Africa and Italy. 
Harry Sacher married Simon Marks' sister Miriam in 1915. He was a close friend of Simon's and Israel Sieff and he joined the company in 1926, before becoming a director in 1932 - a roll he held for over 30 years. His unpublished history of Marks & Spencer is held in the M&S Company Archive. Harry had a strong commitment to the business, which he instilled in his family, with both of his sons eventually becoming members of the Board. Harry was also a Leader Writer for the Manchester Guardian, and a well respected historian.