The managing director of upmarket UK grocery retailer Waitrose has quit.

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The John Lewis Partnership, the owner of Waitrose, said today (24 April) that Steven Esom has left “to pursue other opportunities”. Esom spent 11 years at Waitrose.


Mark Price, a former Waitrose executive, has been appointed to replace Esom. Price is a board director of the John Lewis Partnership with responsibilities including business development for travel business Greenbee.


Price, who will start his new role on Monday (30 April), has previously been selling and marketing director at Waitrose.


He said: “This is an exciting time for Waitrose as customers’ tastes are increasingly moving towards our strengths of quality food, ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility and outstanding service.”

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