Morrisons names diversity champion as new HR director

Emily Lawson joins Morrisons from McKinsey & Company, where she is currently a partner and leads the human capital practice.

In a statement, Morrisons said: “She has experience in leading large-scale transformation programmes in global organisations, and has worked across industries including healthcare, financial services, telecoms and retail.

“She has also been the director of one of McKinsey’s leadership development programmes and a leader of McKinsey’s work on diversity, including the influential Women Matter report.”

McKinsey’s Women Matter research has explored the role women play in the global workplace, their experiences and impact in senior executive roles, and the performance benefits that companies gain from employing more women.

Ms Lawson will join Morrisons in September, and will be appointed to the company’s management board. She will be working with the interim group HR director Neal Austin, to ensure a smooth handover.

Dalton Philips, the chief executive of Morrisons, said: “Emily is a world class human resources practitioner and her role will be vital in our transformation of Morrisons into a multi-format, multi-channel retailer. Emily has fantastic experience working with organisations to ensure their colleagues deliver their strategy.”

Ms Lawson said yesterday: “I relish the opportunity of joining Morrisons at this exciting time for the business.”

Ms Lawson takes over from Karen Caddick, who was replaced on an interim basis by Mr Austin earlier this year.