THE cull of boardroom executives at Bradford-based Morrisons has continued with the departure of Dutch-born group trading director Casper Meijer.

Mr Meijer, who was appointed to the supermarket’s management board in December 2012 to lead the company’s trading strategy, has left to return to his family in the Netherlands after deciding not to commit to living mostly in Britain.

Andrew Pleasance has taken over from Mr Meijer on an interim basis. Mr Meijer is the fifth top executive to leave Morrisons since new chief executive David Potts succeeded the ousted Dalton Philips last month.

David Potts said: “Casper has played an important role in starting the process of making Morrisons better value-for-money for customers. However, we both believe now is the right time for this crucial role to be taken by an executive who will dedicate all their efforts to living and working here in Britain.”