Morrisons appoints Richard Hodgson as group commercial director

Morrisons has recruited former Asda and Waitrose marketer Richard Hodgson to the role of group commercial director as part of a reshuffle following the arrival of new CEO Dalton Philips.

Hodgson has broad experience across all areas of the UK grocery market and has held a number of key roles in both the premium and value sectors.

He has been at Waitrose since 2006, initially as director of buying and, from January 2008, as commercial director. This role included responsibilities for marketing, international development and merchandising.

He is also a former brand and marketing director for Asda.

The Morrisons restructure also sees group trading director Martyn Jones move into a new role as group corporate services director, reporting to Philips. The role will focus on government affairs, corporate responsibility, PR and food safety.

The company says that the appointment “reflects Morrisons commitment to playing its full part in the national agenda on food and food related matters”. He takes up the new position in September, at which time he will also step down from the Morrisons board.

Philips says of Hodgson: “He brings wide experience from all areas of the UK grocery market and has made a big impact in all of his senior roles. His appointment underlines Morrisons ability to attract the very best talent in retail to our team and we very much look forward to working with him.”

Morrisons reported a slowdown in sales growth to just 0.8% in the 13 weeks to 2 May. The figures were sharply down on the 6% growth rate it achieved in the year to the end of January.

Last week Morrisons founder Sir Ken Morrison was reported as making critical comments of the retailer’s former CEO Marc Bolland, who is now at Marks & Spencer.

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