Amazon’s UK boss Christopher North is leaving the company to become president and chief exec at US etailer Shutterfly.
The move will be effective as of 31 May and will end North’s five years in charge of Amazon in the UK.
Under North the UK operation has seen strong growth and has consolidated its position as one of Amazon’s most important markets outside the US. However, his time has also been beset with controversies over Amazon’s tax arrangements and working conditions in its distribution centres.
According to Retail Week sources, Amazon’s current China boss, Doug Gurr, could be in line to succeed North and is set to return to the UK imminently.
Gurr worked at Asda for five years prior to Amazon as its development director and his appointment would likely pave the way for Amazon to further boost its grocery offer. Rumours continue to swirl that the etailer will launch its Fresh offer in the UK and last month signed a deal with Morrisons.