Asda has poached one of Sainsbury’s top executives for the role of chief operating officer.
Roger Burnley, formerly retail and operations director at Sainbsury’s, previously worked alongside Asda's chief executive Andy Clarke at Asda between 1996 and 2002 as supply chain director. He was involved in the integration between Asda and US-owned Walmart in 1999.
The news comes as Asda recently reported its worst results in 50 years as second quarter like-for-like sales fell by 4.7 per cent and profits remained flat. Burnley has reportedly been headhunted to help turn the retailer’s fortunes round as Clarke’s righthand man.
'Adding Roger to Asda's executive team further strengthens the board which, I believe, is now one of the most experienced and capable in the industry. I am looking forward to working with him again, this time as my deputy,” Clarke said.
Speaking about Asda's results, Clarke said the retailer had hit its 'nadir', but said there is “an upward trend” emerging.
Sainsbury's has said that Burnley has left the company with immediate effect and that a search for his successor is underway, but he is not expected to start at Asda straightaway.
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