Morrisons has appointed Procter & Gamble’s vice-president and managing director of Northern Europe Irwin Lee as non-executive director.

Lee, who joins the Morrisons board on September 1, will retire from Procter & Gamble in August. At present he has responsibility for the UK, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden at the FMCG giant.  

The appointment comes as the big four bid to restructure their businesses in the face of changing shopping habits. Morrisons chief executive David Potts cleared out half his executive team within weeks of joining in March.

Morrisons chairman Andrew Higginson said: “Irwin will bring his huge experience in the consumer goods industry, a deep understanding of the UK grocery market and an excellent track record of leadership at one of our largest suppliers. I am very pleased to welcome him to the board of Morrisons where I am sure he will play an important role.”

Lee has worked in a number of Procter & Gamble’s markets including Ohio where it is headquartered. He was also previously a member of IGD’s Leadership Council.

Lee said: “I am really looking forward to joining Morrisons and making a contribution to the turnaround of the company.”