Trevor Strain quits as management upheavals continue at Morrisons

Morrisons chief operating officer Trevor Strain has confirmed he is to leave the company, after more than a decade as a key executive.

Strain has been widely viewed in the past as a potential future CEO for the company, who could take over from David Potts when he steps down.

His departure is the latest in a series since Morrisons was taken over by private equity firm Clayton Dubilier & rice last October, with group commercial director Andy Atkinson leaving in June and Strain taking on his duties.

Morrisons and CD&R have both strongly denied speculation that head-hunters have been looking for a replacement for Potts, after reports he was looking to step down in two years’ time.

Today Potts paid tribute to Strain’s impact in his time at the company.

“Trevor has played a pivotal role in the turnaround of Morrisons and his contribution to the business over many years has been very significant,” he said.

“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.”

Strain said: “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.

“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.”