M&S board says history will prove Rose decision right

LONDON (Reuters) - The board of retailer Marks and Spencer (MKS.L: Quote, Profile, Research) said it had taken a tough decision in deciding on a dual role for boss Stuart Rose but told shareholders on Wednesday that history would prove it right.

M&S sparked harsh criticism and infuriated some investors in March by saying that Rose would combine the roles of chairman and chief executive.

Deputy Chairman David Michels told an investor meeting that the board had avoided the "coward's way out".

"He had a job to finish and could do it better than anyone else who was around," Michels said in answer to a question, adding it was "absolutely the right thing for this business".

"We took, hopefully the right, but certainly the more difficult decision. We are convinced history will show us we made the right decision."

(Reporting by Mark Potter)