Poundstretcher has raided Morrisons to strengthen its commercial and store operations teams, months after new owner, private equity firm Fortress, hired the grocer’s former commercial director Andy Atkinson as its CEO.

The discounter has hired Morrisons operations director Miles Foster, who has spent 35 years at the grocer. Foster, who takes the same role at Poundstretcher, will report to Atkinson, who himself joined Poundstretcher from the grocer in April following its acquisition by Fortress.

Foster, will oversee over 300 stores and lead the retailer’s growth plan, and he will be joined by two more former Morrisons execs: Tony Fearon, who joined as group commercial director this summer, and Liz Harris, who will head up Poundstretcher’s retail operations team following almost 20 years at the grocer.

Subscribe to Grocery Gazette for free

Sign up here to get the latest grocery and food news each morning

Fearon’s trading team is bolstered by former Morrisons buying exec Connor Black, who has been appointed head of trading for pets, and ex-Poundland exec Kyle Storey who joins as head of trading for FMCG.

Harris’ retail ops team is boosted by the appointment of Annette Beecham, a former regional manager at Home Bargains and B&M, and Poundland head of central operations Mandy Fitzpatrick, who will manage the loss prevention team.

Poundstretcher CEO Atkinson: “As we start this long and important journey, I am delighted that such a talented group of leaders have chosen to take the next step in their careers with us.  These people are the best in the industry, and share our values in supporting our colleagues, and putting customers first. These are exciting times ahead for Poundstretcher.”