Speculation is mounting as to who will take the top job at Morrisons following the departure of chief executive Marc Bolland to Marks & Spencer(M&S).
Sir Ian Gibson, the chairman of Morrisons and the chairman of its nominations committee, is believed to be keen to install an appointment as quickly as possible.
Richard Pennycook Morrisons’ finance director has emerged as the leading internal candidate. He joined Morrisons before Marc Bolland when it was struggling in the wake of the troubled takeover of Safeway in 2004. He played his cards close to his chest but did not rule himself out of the running when news broke of Bolland‘s departure.
Another name linked with the job is John Dixon, the head of Marks & Spencer’s food division who has spent his career at M&S but could move in the opposite direction to Bolland.
Richard Brasher Tesco’s commercial and marketing director, Darren Blackhurst Asda’s chief merchandising officer, Paul Foley the former Aldi chief who left this year and Mike Coupe, Sainsbury’s trading director have also been connected to the position.
Dido Harding, formerly of Tesco who now runs Sainsbury’s convenience stores, has also been mentioned while Mark Gunter, Morrisons’ group retail director could be another internal candidate.
