Gordon Mowat

Gordon Mowat

Morrisons has appointed group strategy director Gordon Mowat to the newly formed role of managing director of convenience.

Mowat will take up the role as part of the supermarket's push of its M Local convenience stores.

Dalton Philips, Morrisons CEO said: “M Locals show there is a better way for convenience retail, with half the space dedicated to fresh food and scratch cooking all at very competitive prices.'

The UK supermarket chain currently has five M Local stores nationwide with plans to open a further 70 by the end of the year.

Philips added: 'We are now ready to expand at pace and I am delighted that Gordon will be spearheading the growth of M Locals, particularly into London and the south-east.'

The retailer recently unveiled plans to expand its London operation by opening 15 new M Local stores in the capital following a 0.9 per cent drop in like-for-like sales (for the six months ending 29 July).

Part of the project also includes opening a bespoke 100,000 sq ft distribution centre in Feltham, west London early next year with the capacity to service 100 M Local convenience stores.