Richard Lancaster has quit as Morrisons’ marketing boss.

The news comes just months after Lancaster was promoted from marketing director to a beefed-up role as corporate marketing and operations director.

Lancaster, who the supermarket said was leaving to “pursue an opportunity outside of Morrisons”, will be replaced by Nick Collard.

Collard was previously commercial director for ambient (grocery) and will report to group commercial director Richard Hodgson. His wide-ranging new brief includes pricing and promotions, format, merchandising and customer service.

“We are delighted Nick is moving into the marketing and operations director role,” said HR director Norman Pickavance. “He has a great track record in his first 15 months at Morrisons and is a highly rated marketeer. He’s one of our rising stars.”

In related moves, Jamie Winter becomes commercial director (chilled), while Lisa Miao takes on a similar role for ambient and frozen. All non-food areas of the business will be overseen by current non-food commercial director Mike Snell.