McColls boss Jonathan Miller has stepped down from his role as chief executive and from the board of Morrison’s convenience store retail group after more than 30 years of leading the business.
The move comes just one week after Morrisons drafted in city advisers as it considers options to support the financial struggles of its convenience store partner.
The search to appoint a new CEO is in already in progress. Until then, Angus Porter, currently non-executive chairman of the group, will take on the role of executive chairman on a temporary basis.
Chief operating officer Karen Bird has become interim chief executive of the group, while Giles David, chief financial officer, will also assume additional responsibilities.
The board is confident of appointing a permanent replacement in the “near future”.
The group also remains in ongoing dialogue with its lenders towards a longer-term agreement in relation to the balance of its existing facility. It aims to find a financing solution which involves its existing partners and stakeholders.
Read more: Morrisons weighs options for struggling McColl’s
“On behalf of the board, I want to take this opportunity to thank Jonathan for the immense contribution he has made to McColl’s and to pay tribute to his commitment in leading the business over the course of more than 30 years,” said executive chairman Angus Porter.
“As we discuss with our stakeholders the transformation of our business to a grocery-led convenience offer, Jonathan and the board have agreed that now is the right time to bring in a new chief executive to lead the business into a new phase.”
Miller also commented, saying: “It has been an enormous privilege to work for McColl’s for the last 30 years, most recently leading the business and transforming our offer in partnership with Morrisons.
“I remain a significant shareholder and I leave confident that, with its clearly defined, convenience-led strategy and strong partnership with Morrisons, McColl’s will continue to play a vital role at the heart of local communities across the UK.”
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