Asda has named Allan Leighton its new Executive Chair, marking a significant leadership change. Leighton, who served as Asda’s CEO from 1996 to 2001, replaces Stuart Rose, who has held the Chair position since 2021. Rose will remain on the board temporarily to ensure a seamless transition.
Leighton expressed his excitement about rejoining the company, emphasizing his commitment to making Asda a standout choice for its employees and millions of customers. This move comes as Asda continues to expand aggressively, doubling its store count to 1,200 over the past three years and rolling out a loyalty app that now boasts six million active users.
The company’s shareholders have invested heavily, committing £3.8 billion over three years to drive growth and innovation. However, Asda faces challenges in maintaining momentum amid broader market and economic pressures. With Leighton’s extensive experience, the supermarket aims to navigate these hurdles and solidify its position as a retail powerhouse.
