Morrisons poaches Aldi exec as group trading director departs

Morrisons has named former Aldi exec George Brown as its new group property director.

Brown previously served as national property director of Aldi from March 2004 until March 2025.

Sharing the appointment on LinkedIn, the supermarket said: “We are thrilled to announce that George Brown has joined the business, as group property director.

“With years of experience in the property and retail sectors, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Morrisons, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.

“His strategic vision and leadership will undoubtedly strengthen our commitment to enhancing our store environments and advancing our property portfolio.”

Additionally, the grocery giant revealed that its group trading director for non-food Bruno Lebon had stepped down from the company after four months.

The executive previously spent almost 40 years at French grocer Carrefour, most recently serving as its executive director of supermarkets and hypermarkets.

It is believed that Lebon departed in order to focus on other business interests in France, according to The Grocer.

It is thought that the exec, who was poached to run the non-food arm of the supermarket, had initially agreed to serve a 12-month contract.

A Morrisons spokesman said: “Bruno has decided to leave slightly earlier than anticipated but he leaves the business with our best wishes.”

The move comes after Morrisons recently unveiled plans to close 52 cafés, all 18 of its Market Kitchens, 17 convenience stores, 13 florists, 35 meat counters, 35 fish counters, and four pharmacies under its operational shake-up.

Earlier this month, the grocery giant also raised its savings target to £1bn as its turnaround efforts gained pace.

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