Kathryn Turner, Marks & Spencer’s food development director, has emerged as an unexpected social media influencer, drawing significant attention to the retailer’s food products through her engaging online presence. Balancing her full-time role with a part-time social media activity, Turner has gained a considerable following since relaunching her social media accounts in May.

Turner, 56, originally made her mark in the food industry in 1998 with the launch of Tubby Toast, a croissant inspired by the children’s television show Teletubbies. More recently, she has become known for sharing behind-the-scenes insights into Marks & Spencer’s food range, offering an enthusiastic and relatable perspective. Her videos, which include features with celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, have spotlighted products such as the “cheesy nacho salad” and showcased the brand's food testing processes through characters like “Harry from cookies.”

Her approach has resonated widely, particularly with younger audiences. Turner’s Instagram account has attracted around 230,000 followers, while her TikTok presence recently surpassed 300,000 followers, exceeding the reach of Marks & Spencer’s official food channel. Over the past six months, her videos have garnered approximately 50 million views.

Marketing experts highlight Turner’s appeal as stemming from her authentic and unscripted style. Gillian Brooks, an associate professor of marketing at King’s College London, noted that Turner offers a human and accessible inside look at the company, enhancing engagement with the brand.

Reactions from Turner’s followers demonstrate strong loyalty, with some commenters expressing fervent support. Internally, her rise has taken the company’s marketing team by surprise, underscoring the organic nature of her success. Turner has acknowledged the contribution of younger colleagues within the product development team to her social media achievements, encouraging others to heed the insights of their younger team members.

Through her unique blend of professional expertise and social media savvy, Kathryn Turner has become an influential figure in promoting Marks & Spencer’s food products, bridging traditional retail roles with modern digital marketing trends.