One of the leading supermarket giant Morrisons announced that Mark Gunter, group retail director, has notified the board of his intention to retire in June 2012.
Gunter will start a progressive handover of his responsibilities to Mark Harrison to ensure an orderly succession. Through this handover period Mark Harrison has been nominated as group retail director (designate). From June 2011 until his retirement, Gunter will continue to advise the Morrison board and other directors.
Sir Ian Gibson, chairman of Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc, said, “Gunter has made an enormous contribution to Morrisons over 25 years, with the last 11 years at the board level. He has been one of the architects of our growth from a strong regional operator to a national business. He is a great retailer and a valued leader and on behalf of colleagues throughout the business I would like to pay tribute to his achievements and loyal service over many years and wish him well in his retirement.”
Dalton Philips, chief executive of Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc, said, “Mark Gunter has been a tremendous asset to Morrisons for many years always leading as a retailer. He will retire with the best wishes and gratitude of the whole company. I am pleased that Morrisons has developed many excellent retailers and that Mark Harrison has the skills and experience to step up to the key role of group retail director.”
Commenting on his retirement, Gunter said, “I am proud of what the company has achieved and have a tremendous sense of satisfaction with our success. The business is in good shape with a strong management team in place and I feel now is the right time to step back, and consider fresh challenges, and possibly take on some non-executive positions.”
– IndiaRetailing Bureau
