In a strategic shift within the supermarket sector, Morrisons has successfully appointed Andrew Staniland, previously of Iceland, as the new group trading director.
Andrew Staniland will assume his new role at Morrisons in February 2025. This move follows his four-year tenure at Iceland, where he held the positions of trading director and subsequently, group trading director. The announcement comes amidst previous expectations that Staniland was to replace Asda’s former commercial director, Paul Gillow. However, details about whether this transition to Asda occurred remain undisclosed.
Staniland is no stranger to Morrisons, having previously worked there from 2012 to 2016 as a buyer and buying manager. His vast experience also includes roles at other major grocers like Waitrose and Aldi, adding a wealth of knowledge to his repertoire.
Morrisons’ CEO, Rami Baitiéh, expressed confidence in Staniland’s abilities, describing him as an ‘exceptional talent’. He highlighted Staniland’s impressive track record at Iceland and Aldi, alongside his prior experiences with Morrisons. According to Baitiéh, this appointment marks an ongoing effort to strengthen Morrisons’ senior team.
In tandem with Staniland’s new role, James Badger, currently the group commercial director, will transition to the role of group strategy and transformation director. Morrisons acknowledges Badger’s contributions and anticipates his continued influence in driving transformative strategies for the company.
The appointment of Andrew Staniland as Morrisons’ group trading director signifies an important strategic development within the company. With a robust background in various esteemed grocery chains, Staniland is expected to significantly enhance Morrisons’ market positioning. This executive reshuffle aligns with Morrisons’ commitment to fortifying its senior leadership and advancing its strategic priorities.