Mark Harrison

Mark Harrison

Morrisons veteran Mark Harrison passed away peacefully last week following a long illness.

Harrison, who was just 53, had been ill since suffering a stroke in August.

The popular figure spent 37 years at Morrisons, having joined as a management trainee in 1980 when he left school. He was quickly promoted to store manager, after which he held a number of senior positions within the area of store management.

He took on the role of stores director in 2004 and played a key role in the integration of the Safeway estate into the business following its acquisition by Morrisons.

He became a member of the executive committee and held a number of other senior roles within the business, such as group retail director and group manufacturing director, before taking responsibility for Morrisons’ supply chain.

His most recent position had been group property director.

Morrisons CEO David Potts said Harrison had been instrumental in the Fresh Look store refurbishment programme and had helped make “great improvements to our stores by listening to both our customers and colleagues”.

“He had a long and successful career with Morrisons and will be greatly missed by many friends and colleagues from his 37 years in the business,” added Potts.

He is survived by his wife Dawn and daughter Stephanie.

Details of his funeral arrangements have yet to be released. However, his family have requested that instead of flowers donations could be made to the Stroke Association.