Blakemore Trade Partners has announced the appointment of Rupert Morris to the role of trading director, replacing Brigid Davidson.

Morris initially joined the Spar distributor in May 2015, before being appointed head of trading in August 2015.

Prior to joining Blakemore Trade Partners, he held a role as commercial director at multinational retail franchise operator M.H. Alshaya, which operates more than 70 UK and American brands across 3,600 stores in the Middle East, North Africa, Russia, Turkey and Europe.

His previous experience also includes a six-year period at Spar central office as trading controller between 1993 and 1999.

Blakemore Trade Partners managing director Jerry Marwood said: “The trading director role is pivotal to the commercial success of both Blakemore Trade Partners and Blakemore Retail and is integral to the company’s relationships with Spar UK and our supplier base.

“I would like to congratulate Rupert on his promotion and wish him every success as he embarks on this next stage of his career with A.F. Blakemore.”

Morris commented: “I think that there are going to be many exciting changes and developments in the coming years within A.F. Blakemore, and I am excited to be part of a team that plays a part in delivering that.”