Morrisons is set to hire Katharine Challinor, former director of retail at Allwyn, as head of independent franchise and new business next month.

Challinor held a transition leadership role at Allwyn from 2022 to 2024, and also worked at Post Office between 2018 to 2021. She also has specific grocery retail background from her time with Sainsbury’s.

In her new role at the supermarket chain, she will be responsible for growing a number of franchise partners.

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Paul Dobson, Morrisons convenience director, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Katharine to our team as we continue to support our new and existing franchise partners. Her extensive experience in this sector makes her a great addition to our team and we will be introducing her to our franchise partners properly as soon as she is fully on board.”

Challinor added: “I’ve always been passionate about helping convenience retailers grow sales and the vital roles they play in local communities, so I’m excited to be joining the Morrisons team and look forward to meeting with retailers soon.”

Morrisons is currently doubling its ambient distribution centre and has also started to take fresh inbound deliveries directly from suppliers to provide franchise partners with fresher produce more consistently.

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