Ex-Morrisons online FD joins Nisa as CFO

NISA has appointed interim finance director Robin Brown as its new chief financial officer.

Brown, who previously headed the finances of Morrisons’ online food business, joined the convenience store chain in May as part of CEO Nick Read’s management restructure, which led to the departures of three senior directors, including FD Simon Webster.

The management changes were made within Read’s first month in charge at the retailer in a bid to arrest poor trading. Former Rentokil Initial CFO Guy Smith was originally earmarked for the interim post but later withdrew his commitment.

Since his appointment, Brown has led a “strategic programme” to find efficiencies across the business, Nisa said.

Brown was the former FD of Morrisons Food Online and has held senior positions at BOC Edwards and Polaroid.

Read said: “We are thrilled that Robin has accepted a permanent role with Nisa, as it signals his confidence in our business model and our plans to return Nisa to profitable growth. Robin has been instrumental in our positive work with the bank and credit market and his diligent financial management has given Nisa a strong platform on which to build for the future.”

Brown previous experience, including as finance director for the Morrisons Food Online business, where he helped to build an £85m turnover in one year, and for its Kiddicare.com and merger and acquisitions divisions.