Amazon’s UK boss Chris North has quit the company to join US online photo gift retailer Shutterfly.
North’s departure comes just as Amazon accelerates its plans to enter the grocery market in the UK. The US company recently revealed a deal to sell fresh, chilled and frozen food made by Morrisons, the Bradford-based supermarket chain, after it began selling frozen items via its Prime Now service in London, Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester and Liverpool.
Amazon’s Pantry service also enables shoppers to fill a box of grocery items for delivery the next day. That service, which is available across the UK, does not currently include fresh or frozen food but does offer 4,000 grocery and household products, from big brands such as Kellogg’s, Ariel, Colgate and Kronenbourg. North said in December last year that he wanted to expand the range this year.
Industry trade journal Retail Week said that Amazon’s China boss Doug Gurr could be in line to replace North.
Gurr was development director at UK supermarket chain Asda for five years before joining Amazon and his appointment would be seen as likely to add further impetus to the online firm’s grocery ambitions.
Amazon is also trying to expand its fashion business in the UK, hiring former M&S fashion head Frances Russell to help it develop own-label clothing.
Under North, Amazon has achieved strong growth in the UK, confirming its position as one of the company’s most important international markets. However, his time in charge as also been fraught with controversy over Amazon’s tax arrangements, handling of weapons including knives, and employment practices.
Amazon said: “We’d like to thank Christopher for his many contributions and wish him the best with his new venture.”
