Asda shakes up management amid new departures and additions


Asda has reshuffled its management team, amid a series of departures and new appointments.

The supermarket confirmed that its chief transformation officer, Mark Simpson, is stepping down from his role 'by mutual consent.'

Simpson joined Asda in 1997 and has held various senior positions, including chief supply chain officer and vice president of supply chain.

It is believed that the role of chief transformation officer will be eliminated following Simpson's exit. Many of his responsibilities will be handed over to ex-Morrisons CIO Matt Kelleher, who is set to join Asda later in July.

Simpson's departure occurs amidst delays in Asda's efforts to separate its IT systems from its former owner, Walmart.

Last month, Asda announced it was outsourcing over 100 of its IT staff to an Indian-based supplier, sparking fears of job cuts as the supermarket aimed to reduce costs.

Meanwhile, Iceland group buying director Andrew Staniland is set to join the supermarket in a VP role next March.

The appointment follows Asda poaching the retailer’s chief customer, marketing and digital officer David Devany as its new vice president for ecommerce last week.

Additionally, Asda’s vice president and commercial director for food, Paul Gillow, is understood to be stepping down from the company after 21 years.

Kevin McBride, Vice president for retail north, is also retiring after 27 years with Asda and will leave at the end of August.