Morrisons appoints former Tesco exec David Potts as new CEO
Supermarket chain Morrisons has appointed David Potts as its new chief executive (CEO) following the departure of former boss Dalton Phillips.
Potts, who joined Tesco when he was 16 years old, later became retail director in the UK, chief executive of its Irish business, and latterly its Asian business. He will join Morrisons on 16 March.
He left Tesco in 2011 and has been a retail consultant to several international advisory and private equity businesses in the interim.
Andrew Higginson, chairman of Morrisons, said: "I am delighted to welcome David as our new CEO. David is the best retailer I have worked with in 25 years in the industry. Having worked alongside him for 15 years, I know he will bring to Morrisons a focus on the customer, a track record of delivery, flair, talent, and immense energy to his new role. He will lead our colleagues in the business from the front, and with distinction."
"David's skills are complementary to those of our excellent CFO, Trevor Strain, and I believe we have the makings of a good team. I would like to thank Trevor for his support over the last few weeks."
Potts said: "Customers and Morrisons are a great combination to serve. This is a great British business with real potential and it is an honour to have been selected."
Morrisons has had a difficult few months, reporting a dismal Christmas sales period in which its like-for-like sales in the six weeks to January slipped by 3.1 per cent.
Earlier this year Higginson openly stated that the supermarket needed new leadership to help it navigate the challenging retail environment and return to growth. His comments coincided with the departure of former boss Dalton Philllips.