Former grocer in as non-exec
Woolworths Group has appointed former Somerfield chief executive David Simons as a non-executive director with effect from September 1.

He is also Littlewoods Shop Direct Group chairman and a non-executive director of food manufacturer and supplier of Greencore Group. Before joining Somerfield he was group finance director of Storehouse and group finance director of House of Fraser.

Woolworths Group chairman Gerald Corbett said: 'With his wealth of retail and financial experience, David's contribution to the Woolworths Group board will be extremely valuable. He is a highly regarded retailer and his appointment will further strengthen our non-executive team.'

The appointment is a further sign of the retailer's commitment to fill its board with top-flight retailers. Last Friday, the retailer revealed it had offered chief executive Trevor Bish-Jones a generous bonus package, provided the company reached certain financial performance milestones and he stayed with the company until 2008.