Morrisons marketing chief quits after just three months

Morrisons’ chief customer and marketing officer Darren Blackhurst, who joined on an interim basis with a view to taking on a permanent role, has quit the supermarket giant after just three months.

According to a report in The Sunday Times, the terms of Blackhurst’s departure are currently being thrashed out, while logistics director Craig Taylor has also resigned.

Blackhurst, who previously worked at Morrisons between 2015 to 2019, primarily as group commercial director, had been brought in to cover for Rachel Eyre. She joined from Sainsbury’s in 2020 and is currently on maternity leave.

It is not known which role Blackhurst would have taken but announcing its senior team changes earlier this year, Morrisons said they reflected key areas of focus, as it plans to “refresh and re-invigorate” the business.

In addition, Peter Laflin was appointed as data services director as part of Morrisons’ strategy to become a more data driven and digital company.

At the time, Baitiéh said: “We wish Rachel all the best for her maternity leave and look forward to welcoming Darren Blackhurst while she is off.

“Darren has a wealth of retail experience and his leadership on price and customer insights are well known to Morrisons from his previous very successful stint with us.

“Darren’s first priorities will be Morrisons pricing strategy, driving the trade agenda and further developing the promising Morrisons Media Group.

“I am confident he will make a tangible impact both in his interim role as chief customer and marketing officer and more widely across the business in his role on the executive committee.”

Blackhurst was unavailable for comment but The Sunday Times reports that his departure was due to the fact “he was struggling to adjust to life back in the executive ranks”.

The retailer’s advertising (pictured) is handled by Leo Burnett.