Finance director, Morrisons
Having missed out on the top job at Morrisons to Dalton Philips, Richard Pennycook might have been forgiven for sulking. Instead, he has blazed a trail alongside his new boss, leading the acquisition of Kiddicare, the investment in Fresh Direct and exploring the possibility of a bid for Iceland. In doing so, he has made Morrisons one of the most interesting stories in UK retail today.
It’s all the more surprising because, for those who don’t know him, Pennycook has a reputation for being a conservative, cerebral character- perhaps the stereotypical finance director. But he’s widely recognised as being one of the very best in the business and his skill was recognised when he was named FTSE 100 FD of the Year in the FD’s Excellence Awards earlier this year. He seems to have formed a good bond with Philips and has helped provide stability at a time of enormous change at the Bradford-based business.
Pennycook gives little away but his sober exterior belies his passion for the business, his ambition and his dry sense of humour. And while he may have missed out on the top job this time, he seems to be enjoying working on what is turning out to be a massive project at Morrisons, one that will hold him in good stead once the next top job comes round.
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