Sir Ken Morrison has approved the selection of three non-executive directors by his deputy David Jones.
The chairman of Wm Morrison spent the whole of yesterday in what has been described as an "acrimonious" discussion with Jones before the chain issued his verdict after the market close.
Brian Flanagan, the former vice-president of Mars; Nigel Roberston, founder of Waitrose's online delivery service, Ocado; and Susan Walker, chairwoman of the Advertising Standards Authority will join the board on July 1.
The company said Morrison and Jones would be interviewing candidates for a fourth non-executive position, to join the board in the next four weeks.
Despite repeated allegations of contention Morrison has played down the suggestions of a rift between the pair.
It is understood that Morrison had been intent upon recruiting at least one big name to appeal to the ailing supermarket's sceptical investors.
However, shareholders are said to have welcomed the news and look forward to an improvement in the board's method of governance and healthier share prices.
