Morphy Richards head steps down

Morphy Richards and Bellings Appliances managing director James Moore has resigned.

He leaves at the end of the month to become chief executive of a mystery company.

Morphy Richards and Belling – which are part of the Glen Dimplex group – would only say that Moore’s new role will be outside the appliances industry.

His colleagues say they have not been informed of his next move.

Moore’s role will be taken over temporarily by Martin Burns, chief executive of the Morphy Richards and Belling small appliances division.

He will oversee all Morphy Richards appliances and products such as the Farmhouse Belling Cookers, and will act as chief executive of the two companies.

Burns, who originally hired Moore, says the company is seeking a successor, but believes a replacement is unlikely to be found before Christmas.

He credits Moore with turning round Morphy Richards from a loss-making organisation into a profitable company.

Burns adds that Moore sharpened up the marketing of product ranges and oversaw increased investment in production capacity in the UK, Ireland and Far East.

He adds: “Moore had lots of energy and initiative and was full of lateral thinking. He will be missed.”