Katharine Challinor

Katharine Challinor is to join Morrisons as the head of independent franchise and new business.

In this new role, she will be responsible for supporting Morrisons’ growing number of franchise partners.

Thanks to her previous roles with the Post Office and at lottery provider Allwyn, she is well versed in the convenience sector, the group has announced. She also has specific grocery retail background from her time with Sainsbury’s.

Morrisons said it ”continues to invest in improving the level of service offered to its franchise partners”. It 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.

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’ll be introducing her to our franchise partners properly as soon as she’s fully on board.”

On her new role, Katharine Challinor said: “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.”