Retail grandee is a former chief executive of the supermarket
Asda has appointed retail veteran Allan Leighton as its executive chair, replacing Stuart Rose.
Leighton, 71, has led a number of UK and international consumer businesses, including serving as a chief executive of Asda itself from 1996 to 2001, president of Loblaw Companies, North America’s second-largest food retail business, and nine years as chairman of The Co-op.
Lord Rose will remain on the board to ensure an orderly transition before stepping down, the company confirmed.
Leighton said, “Stuart has done an important job in helping to create a retailer with a presence in every format and I am delighted to be returning to the business which has always been a special place for me.
”The potential for Asda now is significant, and my focus will be to work with the leadership team to help make Asda special for our colleagues and millions of customers.”
Rose added: “It has been a privilege to work alongside the Asda team over the past three years and to support the business through this period of transition. Asda will benefit enormously from Allan’s experience of leading the business and on behalf of the board I am pleased to welcome him back. I look forward to continuing to support Asda as a shareholder and customer over the coming years.”
