Rupert Thomas has been named as Waitrose‘s new incoming commercial director, to replace Mark Williamson who will step down at the end of January.
Thomas, who is currently the grocer‘s marketing director and has been with Waitrose since 2003 in various commercial and marketing roles, will take over Williamson‘s position from February 2017.
Williamson joined Waitrose in 2004 and has been on its management board for 10 years.
His resignation is not the end of his time with the upmarket grocery chain, though. He will continue as chair of the Leckford Estate – the Waitrose Farm – a role he took up earlier this year.
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“Mark has done a fantastic job and achieved great things on the commercial front,” Waitrose managing director Rob Collins said.
“He‘s been a valued board colleague, bringing wisdom and experience to our work.
“I’m delighted that he continues as chairman of Leckford so that we will still benefit from his contribution to our business.”
Waitrose said a new marketing director to replace Thomas would be announced at a later date.
“Rupert, our very successful marketing director, also has strong commercial experience,” Collins said.
“His first job with us was heading our grocery and fruit buying teams.
“He is the ideal candidate to pick up the baton from Mark and I wish them both well for the future.”
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