Another executive goes at Morrisons in wake of new boss’s arrival

He is the latest senior executive to leave in the wake of new boss David Potts’ appointment last month.

Mr Potts has already disposed of the services of five directors on the 11-strong management team, in what analysts described as a “bloodbath in Bradford”.

He said he would be constructing a leaner management board “with the aim of simplifying and speeding up the business”.

In a statement on the latest departure today, Morrisons said: “Casper’s family remain in The Netherlands and he has decided not to commit to living a fuller part of his life in Britain.”

The external search for his successor will start immediately.

Mr Meijer was appointed to the Morrisons’ management board in December 2012 and he has been responsible for leading the company’s trading strategy.

Mr Potts said: “Casper has played an important role in starting the process of making Morrisons better value-for-money for customers. However, we both believe now is the right time for this crucial role to be taken by an executive who will dedicate all their efforts to living and working here in Britain.”

Andrew Pleasance, who has worked at Morrisons for nearly 30 years, will take on the role of group trading director on an interim basis.