Morrisons has hailed the success of its new Ken Morrison Leadership School, after the first cohort of colleagues graduated from the talent development programme.
A personal project of CEO Rami Baitiéh, the programme launched last year as a way to fast-track talent into leadership positions within the business. The six-month course is open to any Morrisons employee.
More than 750 employees enrolled on the programme during the first year, across three cohorts. The first 187 recently graduated during a ceremony at the University of Bradford last month.
Named after former chairman, the late Ken Morrison, the now annual programme is modelled on initiatives that Baitiéh introduced during his previous roles with Carrefour.
Each cohort undergoes six classes in leadership and technical theory tailored to their business division and level of experience.
The course is moderated and validated by the University of Bradford.
Morrisons’ senior directors lead the training, including Baitiéh and chairman Terry Leahy who both led sessions personally.
“We’re passionate about unlocking opportunities for our colleagues and developing the leaders of tomorrow,” Baitiéh told The Grocer, following the first graduation ceremony in Bradford.
“The leadership school programme builds on Sir Ken’s innovative and hard-working spirit, and is designed to help any colleague who has what it takes to progress.”
While some food and drink companies have been dialling back D&I efforts following Donald Trump’s return to the White House, Morrisons sees the programme as a key way to improve diversity at all levels of the business, by enabling ambitious employees to effectively nominate themselves for a promotion, rather than having to rely on nomination from a manager.
Morrisons also wants to improve collaboration and improve talent retention across the business as it continues to implement Baitiéh’s turnaround plan. It will base the size of future intakes in line with its employment needs and projections.
“We are already seeing very positive outcomes from these early phases,” Baitiéh said.
“Female and ethnic diversity is ahead of existing percentages at relevant levels; the peer coaching groups are increasing collaboration; and graduates of the programme are demonstrating higher self awareness and stronger leadership skills in their roles.
“This is just the start and we’re excited about the potential of the programme as we expand it further in the years ahead.”
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