Morrisons strengthens board with promotions

UK retailer Morrisons has beefed up its board with the promotion of group chief finance boss Trevor Strain to the role of chief operating officer. 

As part of the move Strain, who joined the Group as commercial and operations finance director in 2009, will take responsibility for commercial, manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, operations development, online and wholesale, the company said. He was appointed to the board in 2013 when he was made chief financial officer, later adding the role of group commercial director in October 2019. 

His role as CFO will be filled by Michael Gleeson, who since 2017 has been trading director for ambient grocery, dairy, frozen food and fuel. Gleeson joined the company in 2014 from rival Tesco, and has worked in as the group financial controller and supermarkets finance director.

Chief executive David Potts said the two appointments were a result of strong management development plans at Morrisons. 

“I am delighted that we are promoting two highly capable colleagues from within the team,” he said. “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.”