// Morrisons makes changes to its executive committee
// Group customer & marketing director Andy Atkinson has been promoted to group commercial director
// Operations director David Lepley will become group retail director
Morrisons has made changes to its executive committee after Trevor Strain was promoted to chief operating officer and Michael Gleeson to chief financial officer last month.
The Big 4 grocer promoted its group customer and marketing director Andy Atkinson to group commercial director, reporting to Strain.
He has held a variety of commercial and marketing roles in retail and FMCG, and will be responsible for Morrisons’ trading and its manufacturing business.
READ MORE: Morrisons sales drop 1.7% in “challenging” market
Meanwhile, operations director David Lepley will become group retail director, reporting to Morrisons’ chief executive David Potts.
Lepley joined Morrisons from rival Asda in 2016 and has held senior retail operations and supply chain roles.
Moreover, the incumbent current group retail director Gary Mills is stepping down from his role at Morrisons after five years.
“Our executive committee listen to and lead our team of foodmakers and shopkeepers as they continue to improve the shopping trip for customers,” Potts said.
“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.”
The reshuffle comes after Morrisons recorded a 1.7% drop in group like-for-like sales in the 22 weeks to January 5 due to “challenging” trading conditions, exasperated by consumer uncertainty.
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