Roger Burnley is to take over as chief executive of Asda after Sean Clarke stepped down after just 18 months.
Walmart announced that Burnley, the current chief operations officer and deputy CEO, will take over from Clarke on 1 January 2018, according to reports.
David Cheesewright, chief executive of Walmart International, stressed that Burnley has always been seen as a long-time candidate for the top job, with Clarke 'taking some time out' but remaining connected to the supermarket.
“Roger was purposefully brought back to Asda to partner with Sean ahead of the transition to Roger taking up the position of CEO,' Cheesewright said. “He and Sean have worked as a great team and I’m really confident in Roger’s ability to continue building on our return to momentum.'
Burnley started his retail career as a graduate at B&Q, holding a number of roles across retail management, buying and logistics, before moving to Asda where he became director of supply.
He then moved to Matalan as supply chain director, before taking up the same position at Sainsbury's in 2006. He spent the next ten years in a number of board positions including retail and logistics director, managing director of general merchandise, clothing and logistics, and most recently retail and operations director.
The 51-year-old, who lives in Yorkshire with his wife and two children, returned to Asda in October 2016 in his current positions.
Asda described Burnley as a keen cyclist, runner, snowboarder, sailor and fly fisher, and a lifelong Huddersfield Town fan who sits as a non-executive director on the board. He has also served on the Board of Transport for London, and on the CF Trust Fundraising Board.
