Morrisons hires former Tesco executive John Clarke as interim chief information officer

Clarke, who joins today, will replace chief information officer Ben Wishart who will next month join Dutch grocer Ahold in the new role of group chief information officer.

It is understood that, while Clarke’s role is on an interim basis initially, it could lead to a permanent position.

Clarke joins Morrisons just days after the grocer revealed it is to partner with Ocado to launch an online grocery offer by next January.

Clarke, who has worked as a consultant since 2011, has a wealth of experience in IT and systems. He held the position of chief technology officer and chief architect at Tesco between 2001 and 2005.

He was credited with leading the retailer’s ‘Tesco-In-a-Box’ strategy, rolling out a standardised model for its business IT platforms across the globe.

Given his experience at Tesco, Clarke is likely to play a key role in boosting Morrisons’ understanding of customer data as it launches its food offering via Ocado’s platform and non-food offering using subsidiary Kiddicare’s operations.

After the Tesco position, Clarke held the role of senior vice-president and chief information officer at mobile phone giant Nokia. He was also non-executive director at the Government’s identity and passport office.

Clarke said on his LinkedIn page: “I am enthusiastic for the challenge of large scale transformational programmes and the creation of high performing cultures and organisations.”