Morrisons: makes further changes to Executive Committee

Bradford / UK. (wms) Following the announcement last month of the appointment of Trevor Strain as Chief Operating Officer and Michael Gleeson as Chief Financial Officer, The Board of Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC is announcing further changes to its Executive Committee.

Andy Atkinson is appointed Group Commercial Director, reporting to Trevor. Andy joined Morrisons over eight years ago, initially in a commercial role, and has been Group Customer and Marketing Director for almost five years. Prior to Morrisons, Andy had over a decade of commercial and marketing experience both in retail and FMCG and will be responsible for the company’s trading and manufacturing business.

David Lepley is promoted to Group Retail Director, reporting to David Potts. David joined Morrisons from Asda almost four years ago and has held senior retail operations and supply chain roles. After nearly five successful years helping drive the turnaround, Gary Mills, current Group Retail Director, is leaving Morrisons to pursue other interests.

David Potts, Chief Executive, said: «Our Executive Committee listen to and lead our team of foodmakers and shopkeepers as they continue to improve the shopping trip for customers. Today’s changes, together with Trevor and Michael’s appointments, are part of our plans to continue the momentum of the turnaround and bring new generations of talent through the Morrisons ranks.

«I would like to thank Gary for his important contribution to the Morrisons turnaround over the last five years, especially the improvement in store standards and execution, and wish David and Andy every success in their new roles.»

Trevor Strain appointed COO and Michael Gleeson appointed CFO

Bradford / UK. (12.04. / wms) Morrisons is pleased to announce the appointments of Trevor Strain as Chief Operating Officer, and Michael Gleeson as Chief Financial Officer.

Trevor is currently Group Chief Finance and Commercial Officer, and has been an executive director of Morrisons and Chief Financial Officer since 2013. In his new role as Chief Operating Officer, Trevor will continue to report into Chief Executive, David Potts. His responsibilities will include commercial, manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, operations development, online and wholesale.

Michael, a qualified chartered accountant, joined Morrisons in 2014 and is currently Trading Director responsible for ambient grocery, frozen, dairy, fuel and services. He has been Trading Director since January 2017, prior to which he was Group Financial Controller and Supermarkets Finance Director. Before joining Morrisons, Michael was at Tesco for 15 years in various senior finance roles. Michael will be appointed as an executive director of Morrisons and Chief Financial Officer, reporting into David, effective on the first day of the 2020/21 financial year (3 February 2020), until which time he will be Group Finance Director reporting into Trevor.

David Potts, Chief Executive, said: «These two appointments are a result of strong management development plans at Morrisons and I am delighted that we are promoting two highly capable colleagues from within the team. I look forward to continuing to work closely with both of them.

«Trevor is a proven and outstanding business leader who has played a pivotal role in the ongoing Morrisons turnaround. Michael has extensive financial, commercial and retail experience, together with a first-class track record, and his appointment will further strengthen the executive team. Together, and as part of the wider Morrisons team, we will continue to build a broader, stronger Morrisons.»