Morrisons chief operating officer to step down
He informed the board of directors of his plans to leave yesterday, after more than 10 years as part of supermarket’s senior team.
Commenting on Strain’s departure, chief executive David Potts said: “Trevor has played a pivotal role in the turnaround of Morrisons and his contribution to the business over many years has been very significant. I have worked very closely with him since my first day at Morrisons and his ability to plan and execute complex change and progression at great pace has been invaluable.
“Although I am sad that Trevor has decided to leave, I understand and respect his decision. The central role he played during Morrisons performance in the pandemic will be an appropriate and enduring legacy. I know I speak for the whole company when I thank him for the huge difference he has made and wish him well for the future.”
History with Morrisons
Strain joined Morrisons in 2009 as commercial and operations finance director before joining the board as chief financial officer in 2013. In 2019, he was appointed chief operating officer.
Prior to his time with the vertically integrated retailer, he worked for Tesco in a number of roles until his appointment as UK Property Finance Director in 2006 and subsequently UK Planning and Reporting Finance Director.
Strain added: “This has been a very difficult decision for me but I believe if I am to take on a new challenge for the next few years then it would be better to make that change at the start of the Morrisons journey in private equity, and not in the middle of it.
Success for the future
“The pandemic was an incredibly difficult time for everyone, but the way Morrisons rose to that challenge, fed the nation and made sure no-one was left behind, fills me with pride. I wish David and the whole business the greatest success for the future.”
Strains decision to leave the business followed a number of senior resignations since Morrisons was acquired by Clayton, Dublier & Rice in October last year, including group commercial director Andy Atkinson in June and chief financial officer Michael Gleeson in April.
Meanwhile, the sale of Morrisons’ warehouses, fisheries and manufacturing hubs in the wake of its acquisition by Clayton, Dublier & Rice is a predictable outcome, according to industry insiders.
