Morrisons has promoted Trevor Strain to the role of Chief Operating Officer, putting him in pole position to eventually take over as Chief Executive from David Potts.
After being given extra responsibilities last year, Strain is currently Group Chief Finance and Commercial Officer, having been Chief Financial Officer since 2013. In his new role, he will be responsible for commercial, manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, operations development, online and wholesale.
Like Potts, Strain is a former director of Tesco. He has long been tipped as a successor to Potts once the latter decides his turnaround programme is complete.
Strain’s finance responsibilities are being taken on Michael Gleeson, who has been promoted from his current position as Trading Director for ambient grocery, frozen, dairy, fuel and services, to the role of Chief Financial Officer. Gleeson is a qualified chartered accountant and previously served as the supermarket chain’s Financial Controller and Finance Director. Before joining Morrisons, he worked at Tesco for 15 years in various senior finance roles.
Potts, who has led Morrisons since in March 2015, commented: “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.”
He added: “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.”
NAM Implications:
- Key changes, with an obvious emphasis on finance…
- …indicating a finance focus on dealings with suppliers…
- …benefiting NAMs that can calculate cost and demonstrate value…
- …amongst other things…
