// Ocado Retail has hired a new chief executive from within its group

// Hannah Gibson, currently chief product officer of Ocado Technology, will replace Mel Smith this month

Ocado Retail has promoted the chief product officer of its technology division Hannah Gibson to CEO.

Gibson, who has spent 10 years at Ocado, replaces Mel Smith, who revealed she would step down in July. She will take over on 20 September.

Gibson has had experience across customer, commercial and technology roles at Ocado and currently sets the strategy and drives forward the Ocado Smart Platform for the group’s partners including Ocado Retail, the joint venture between Ocado and M&S.

She previously lead Ocado Zoom, launching the speedy delivery service in just two years.

Ocado Retail chairman Tim Steiner said: “Ocado Retail has big ambitions and, with its
foundations now firmly in place, is well-prepared for faster growth in the years to come.

“I am confident that Hannah is the right leader to deliver on these ambitions, whilst also being able to navigate the nearer-term challenges associated with the macroeconomic environment.

At Ocado Group, we have consistently benefited from her outstanding leadership and laser
focus on the customer proposition and I have no doubt that this will continue.”

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Gibson said: “I look forward to working more closely with the teams across Ocado Retail, Ocado Group and M&S to meet the market challenges of today and to further strengthen our leading online grocery proposition.

“Together, we will continue to focus on delivering the best service, range and value to our growing customer base, and seize the incredible opportunities ahead.”

Marks & Spencer CEO Stuart Machin also gave his seal of approval.

“Hannah combines a clear passion for product and customer, with an exceptional working knowledge of Ocado’s proprietary technology,” he said.”This experience makes her the ideal candidate to unlock the huge potential that remains in our joint venture and lead our partnership into the next phase of growth.”