Morrisons’ production director David Hutchinson will step down from the board in 12 months’ time.

Hutchinson, who is responsible for manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, announced his intention to take early retirement on medical grounds. He will exit the business on June 30, 2007.

He has been at Morrisons since 1986 and was appointed to the management board in 1993, then the main board in 2002.