David Potts Appointed Chief Executive Officer

Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC

DAVID POTTS APPOINTED CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

The Board of Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC ("Morrisons") is pleased to announce that David Potts CBE will become the company's new Chief Executive Officer. The appointment follows a thorough selection process, both in the UK and overseas. David will join the Company on 16 March 2015.

David, who is 57, has more than 40 years' experience in grocery retailing. He began his career with Tesco in 1973 and rose to become Retail Director in the UK and CEO of its Irish businesses. He subsequently became CEO of its Asian business. Since leaving Tesco in 2011 he has acted as a retail expert to several international advisory and private equity businesses.

Andrew Higginson, Chairman of Morrisons, said: "I am delighted to welcome David as our new CEO. David is the best retailer I have worked with in 25 years in the industry. Having worked alongside him for 15 years, I know he will bring to Morrisons a focus on the customer, a track record of delivery, flair, talent, and immense energy to his new role. He will lead our colleagues in the business from the front, and with distinction."

"David's skills are complementary to those of our excellent CFO, Trevor Strain, and I believe we have the makings of a good team. I would like to thank Trevor for his support over the last few weeks." 

David Potts said: "Customers and Morrisons are a great combination to serve. This is a great British business with real potential and it is an honour to have been selected."

In relation to the appointment, it is confirmed that there are no further details to be disclosed under paragraphs 9.6.13 (1) to (6) of the Listing Rules.

Enquiries:

Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC

Andrew Kasoulis - Investor Relations Director 07785 343 515

Media Relations

Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC: Julian Bailey 0845 611 5362

Citigate Dewe Rogerson: Simon Rigby 020 7282 2847

Kevin Smith 020 7282 1054

Notes to Editors

David Potts began his career at Tesco in 1973 rising from the shop floor to become a Store Manager, and then Regional Director. In 1997, he became the CEO of two newly acquired companies in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and spent three years integrating the businesses while living in Dublin. Appointment to Tesco's PLC Board followed and in 2000 David moved back to the UK to take responsibility for the company's Stores and Supply Chain business. He became Chief Executive of Tesco's Asian business in 2010 before leaving the company in 2011. Since then, he has acted as a retail expert to several international advisory and private equity businesses.

David's salary will be £850,000-per-annum, the same as his predecessor. His long term and short term incentives are in line with the company's remuneration policy, mandated at the last AGM.