David Tom Potts, CBE (born 18 March 1957) is a British corporate executive. He was the CEO of the British supermarket chain Morrisons until November 2023, having succeeded Dalton Philips in 2015.
David Potts | |
|---|---|
| Born | David Tom Potts 18 March 1957 Ashton-under-Lyne, England |
| Education | Hartshead County Secondary School Tameside College |
| Alma mater | Hollings College (now Manchester Metropolitan University) |
| Known for | Former CEO of Morrisons (2015-2023) |
| Children | 2 sons |
Early life
David Tom Potts was born on 18 March 1957 in Ashton-under-Lyne, and educated there at Hartshead County Secondary School.[1][2]
Potts got a summer job at Tesco in Ashton-under-Lyne as a general assistant, while waiting for his O-level results, having already worked in a greengrocers.[2] He failed all five of his O-levels, and has stated, "My lack of success at school was probably to do with playing football all the time".[2]
Career
Having failed his exams, Potts continued working full-time with Tesco. After work, he studied at Tameside College to obtain English and Maths O-levels. Then he studied on day release for a diploma in retailing at Hollings College (now part of Manchester Metropolitan University) in Manchester.[2]
Aged 24, he was posted to Ryde on the Isle of Wight, as Tesco's youngest-ever superstore manager.[2]
In February 2015, it was announced that Potts would succeed Dalton Philips as CEO of Morrisons, who would step down after five years in charge.[3]
It was announced in September 2023 that Potts would be standing down as CEO of Morrisons in November 2023.[4]
Honours
In the 2013 New Year Honours, Potts was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) "for services to Employment, Skills and Apprenticeships in the Retail Sector".[5]
Personal life
He has two sons, Dan and George.[2] and two grandchildren Esmé and Leo, the children of Dan and his wife Sarah. His partner is Jane Holt.[6]