Morrisons appoints new executive promotions

Morrisons has appointed Andy Atkinson as its group commercial director and David Lepley its group retail director.

The news follows the appointment of Trevor Strain as its chief operating officer and Michael Gleeson as chief financial officer.

Atkinson joined Morrisons in 2012 and has held the positions of group customer and market director for almost five years. He has over 10 years of commercial and marketing experience and will be responsible for the company’s trading and manufacturing business and will report to Strain.

Lepney joined Morrisons from Asda in 2016 and has held senior retail operations and supply chain positions. He succeeds Gary Mills, current group retail director, who is leaving Morrisons to pursue other interests. Lepney will report to CEO David Potts.

Potts said: “Our executive committee listen to and lead our team of food makers 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.”

Earlier this month, Morissons hit an “unusually challenging” festive period, according to its latest trading update.

Like-for-like sales, including fuel, were down 2.8% in the 22 weeks ended 5 January. Total sales were down 2.9%, including fuel.

The supermarket giant said that conditions during the period “remained challenging” and that the customer uncertainty of last year was “sustained”.

Despite this, it remained “focused” on its customers, whilst managing costs and investing in its price list.