UK retailer Morrisons has announced the passing of its 'life president' and former chairman, Sir Ken Morrison.
He died peacefully after a short illness at 85 years of age, in his North Yorkshire home, the BBC reported.
An 'inspirational' leader, Morrison led the company for more than half a century, overseeing its growth from an independent family retailer in Bradford to the fourth-largest chain in the UK.
Upon his retirement in 1998, Morrisons operated 375 stores, with over nine million customers a week.
He was chairman of the company until 2008, awarded the CBE in 1990, and knighted in the 2000 New Year's honours list for his contributions to the retail industry.
'Sir Ken developed the culture, values and clear direction for the business, which remain the bedrock of the firm today. His legacy includes many enduring innovations, such as Market Street and Morrisons unique vertical-integration model,' Morrisons said in a statement.
Current chairman Andrew Higginson spoke of Morrison's passing. "I know that I speak for the whole company when I say how profoundly sad we were to hear of Sir Ken's death. He was an inspirational leader and the driving force behind Morrisons for over half a century. Although he retired several years ago, his legacy is evident every day and in every aspect of our business."
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Karen Henderson. Click subscribe to sign up for ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
