Morrisons boss Dalton Philips has tempted three experienced retailers to the top management of the Bradford-based supermarket group – including one from Canada.

The new management appointments also include an internal promotion.

The new directors, each taking newly-created roles, will help lead Morrisons’ drive for growth and will develop strategies, such as opening smaller convenience stores, testing online trading and developing own-label brands.

A Morrisons spokesman said: “These moves further strengthen the strategic and commercial capabilities of the senior team, enhancing its ability to develop and implement the strategy outlined by Dalton Philips at the interim results in September, 2010.”

Belinda Youngs has joined as own brand director from Sobeys in Canada where she was chief marketing officer. She will be responsible for all Morrisons’ private brand activities.

She has also held trading and buying posts with Sainsbury’s.

Nick Collard has joined as commercial director, ambient and frozen, from Boots where he was brands director. He has experience at a senior level with L’Oreal, Mars and Sainsbury’s supermarkets.

Gordon Mowat has been appointed strategy director and has joined from McKinsey & Company.

He is also a former category director at Procter & Gamble. He will develop long-term business plans aimed at delivering the next phase of growth for Morrisons.

For more details, see today's Telegraph & Argus