Morrisons’ group trading director Casper Meijer has become the latest high-profile executive to leave the business as part of an ongoing management restructure by new chief executive David Potts.

Meijer, who was poached in 2013 from Dutch retailer Albert Heijn, was reportedly working in the UK during the week and travelling back to the Netherlands at the weekend.

He is understood to be leaving with immediate effect after refusing to base himself permanently in the UK.

Morrisons veteran and trading director for fresh Andrew Pleasance will replace him on an interim basis, but an external search for the permanent replacement has begun.

“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,” said Potts.

The former Tesco director has sacked several of the Morrisons senior management team since taking over in March.