Ocado Retail has appointed Ocado Technology’s chief product officer Hannah Gibson as its new chief executive.

Gibson, who is currently chief product officer for Ocado’s proprietary technology business, will step up to the role of CEO of Ocado’s retail division on 20th September.

The promotion comes after 10 years at Ocado Group in a number of senior customer, commercial and technology roles.

Prior to the launch of Ocado Retail as a joint venture with M&S in 2019, Hannah was Head of Ocado Zoom, the group’s service delivering groceries in up to 60 minutes.

Hannah took Ocado Zoom from concept to launch in two years and the service is now successfully expanding across the UK, Ocado said in a statement.

Commenting on the appointment, Tim Steiner, chairman of Ocado Retail, said: “Ocado Retail has big ambitions and, with its foundations now firmly in place, is well-prepared for faster growth in the years to come.

“I am confident that Hannah is the right leader to deliver on these ambitions, whilst also being able to navigate the nearer-term challenges associated with the macroeconomic environment. At Ocado Group, we have consistently benefited from her outstanding leadership and laser focus on the customer proposition and I have no doubt that this will continue.”

Gibson, said: “I am thrilled to be returning to Ocado Retail at this stage in its growth journey and privileged to serve our customers. I look forward to working more closely with the teams across Ocado Retail, Ocado Group and M&S to meet the market challenges of today and to further strengthen our leading online grocery proposition.

“Together, we will continue to focus on delivering the best service, range and value to our growing customer base, and seize the incredible opportunities ahead.”

Stuart Machin, chief executive of Marks & Spencer, which partners with Ocado Retail for its online shopping and delivery service, said: “Hannah combines a clear passion for product and customer, with an exceptional working knowledge of Ocado’s proprietary technology.

"This experience makes her the ideal candidate to unlock the huge potential that remains in our joint venture and lead our partnership into the next phase of growth.”

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