Mike Snell is to leave his position as head of the fresh produce team at Asda to take up the role of sourcing development director, global. He will be replaced by Nick Burr, who has filled a number of senior and commercial roles at Asda during 22 years with the company.

Snell has headed the fresh produce division at the Leeds-based retailer since 1999, and presided over some of the most significant changes in the retailer/supplier relationship structure in the history of UK fresh produce retailing.

Asda's International Produce (IP) project caused a stir within the industry as the chain's supplier base rationalised swiftly and dramatically. Snell is credited with being the man behind the creation of NewCo, the dedicated supply company being set up by Asda and its suppliers Thames Fruit and English Village Salads (Geest) to provide the majority of the fresh produce in Asda stores across the UK.

Snell told the Journal that NewCo is in the "final legal definitions" stage. The project has received a setback with the resignation of its managing director Jim Finch. Snell said: "It is very sad. I have an awful lot of respect for Jim and what he does - he is a very, very good manager and I would like to recrd my personal gratitude for all he has done. However, we do have someone else in the wings to replace him."

Snell will complete his promotion once the legal processes surrounding the formation of NewCo are finalised. Commenting on his new role, and his replacement Burr, Snell added: "There were two areas I always said I would never work in, general merchandise and fresh produce. But after four-and-a-half years I will certainly miss the produce industry. My new position gives me an opportunity to take what we have done in IP and apply it to new areas.

"My replacement has worked on the IP project with me and fully understands where it all fits in. He is still right behind me and will keep it moving in the right direction," he said.

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