Online grocer Ocado has promoted Lawrence Hene to the new post of head of grocery retail.

Hene originally joined Ocado in 2009 as head of corporate finance and investor relations and was involved in the etailer’s IPO last year.

He assumes the new role with immediate effect and will sit on Ocado’s management committee, reporting to the executive board.

The appointment follows that last month of former Tesco man Simon Belsham as head of non-food.

The trading, own brand, marketing and customer experience and key supplier liaison teams will all report to Hene.

Ocado chief executive Tim Steiner described Hene as “an outstanding colleague” and said: “He was instrumental in our flotation and understands all areas of our business. These changes demonstrate the strength and depth of the Ocado management team.”