Morrisons appoints Grainger's independent directors to non-exec board

Belinda Richards has been appointed as Wm Morrison’s non-executive director and chairman of the audit committee, the supermarket giant said on Wednesday.

Richards, who is currently the senior independent director of Grainger and a non-executive director of Aviva UK life and pensions, will step into her new role on 1 September, the company said.

Meanwhile, Philip Cox will stand down at the end of this calendar year from his role as senior independent director after over six years, although it will remain in his position as chairman of the audit committee to ensure a proper handover, the FTSE 100 group said.

"Belinda Richards brings an impressive knowledge of the UK retail sector and has worked in many turnaround situations,” said group chairman Andrew Higginson.

“I am pleased to welcome her to the Morrisons board and I would also like to thank Phil for his contribution to the board over the last six and a half years.”

Wm Morrison shares were up 0.71% to 180.87p at 1303 BST on Wednesday.