Morrisons group trading director to step down
Morrisons has said its group trading director Casper Meijer is to step down after declining a request for him to move to the UK.
Meijer joined Morrisons in 2012 from the Ahold-owned supermarket chain Albert Heijn where he was executive vice president for merchandising. Since then it is understood that he has been working during the week in the UK while returning to his home in The Netherlands at weekends.
In a statement Morrisons said: “Casper’s family remain in The Netherlands and he has decided not to commit to living a fuller part of his life in Britain.”
Following Meijer’s departure, Andrew Pleasance will take on the role of group trading director on an interim basis.
Morrisons’ recently appointed chief executive David Potts said: “Casper has played an important role in starting the process of making Morrisons better value-for-money for customers. However, we both believe now is the right time for this crucial role to be taken by an executive who will dedicate all their efforts to living and working here in Britain.”
Last month, Morrisons announced the axing of five senior management roles as Potts looks to build a leaner management board.
