Bradford-based supermarket giant Morrisons on Wednesday promoted finance chief Trevor Strain to the role of chief operating officer, putting him in pole position to eventually take over from chief executive David Potts. 

Strain will be succeeded as finance chief by Michael Gleeson, currently Morrisons’ trading director responsible for ambient grocery, frozen, dairy, fuel and services.

“Morrisons is pleased to announce the appointments of Trevor Strain as chief operating officer, and Michael Gleeson as chief financial officer,” said the supermarket firm in a stock exchange statement.

“Trevor is currently group chief finance and commercial officer, and has been an executive director of Morrisons and chief financial officer since 2013.

“In his new role as chief operating officer, Trevor will continue to report into chief executive, David Potts.

“His responsibilities will include commercial, manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, operations development, online and wholesale.”