Waitrose has appointed Nathan Ansell as its new customer director, who will replace Martin George who leaves after five years with the company.
Leaving his role as director of ethical consulting for House 337, Ansell will embark on his customer director role in January 2023.
He will be responsible for further developing the supermarket’s multi-channel customer strategy, with a ‘sharper’ focus on quality, value, service and sustainability.
The news comes a day after Waitrose cut a sun-tan scene from its Christmas ad following complaints from skin cancer charity Melanoma UK. Viewers challenged whether the scene glorified tans and whether the campaign failed to highlight the dangers of sun exposure.
Separately, Ansell brings over 20 years experience across retail and FMCG to his newly attained role. While he gained 10 years retail experience at M&S for House 337, Ansell has also held a number of FMCG marketing roles for brands including Heinz, Birds Eye and Red Bull.
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“In a climate where customer trust has rarely been more important, the Waitrose brand stands head and shoulders above all others with our commitment to quality, value, service and sustainability,” Waitrose executive director, James Bailey, said.
“We see huge potential to grow the brand and reach new customers. I’m delighted to welcome Nathan who shares our values and brings a broad set of skills and experience to this critical role.”
Ansell himself added: “I couldn’t be happier to be joining The Partnership. I’m a lifelong admirer of the Waitrose brand with its clear and compelling purpose as an employee-owned organisation and its unrelenting delivery of superior quality and outstanding customer experience.
“I’m honoured to join the team and can’t wait to get started further strengthening the brand and helping to build lifetime customer loyalty.”
