UK retailer Asda has announced that it has appointed Stephen Smith, currently the chief marketing officer for parent group Walmart in China, as its new chief marketing officer.
Smith steps into the role vacated by Rick Bendel in May, with the latter accepting a worldwide marketing position for Walmart.
'I was delighted that Steve joined Walmart last year and will now bring his retail marketing pedigree to the UK,' said Asda president and CEO Andy Clarke. 'I’ve been an admirer of Steve’s work at overseas Delhaize retail brands such as Sweetbay, Hannaford and Delhaize Le Lion, for many years and I’m certain he’ll be a valuable addition to the Asda executive team.'
In a note to colleagues, Clarke also wished Bendel well in his new position.
'Because this is a time of strength for Asda, it now seems the perfect time for Rick to do more to help shape Walmart’s worldwide marketing efforts and embark on the next exciting phase of his career,' he noted. 'Few people in the history of our business have loved and understood Asda as well as Rick. His empathy for customers is equalled only by his advocacy for colleagues, and his ability to bring that alive through story-telling will be legendary for generations to come.'
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