Asda makes changes to senior leadership team

Leeds-based supermarket giant Asda has announced changes to its senior leadership team, including the appointment of a new Chief Customer Officer and the departure of the group’s Retail & Logistics Director.

David Hills will join Asda as Chief Customer Officer later this year from Aldi, where he is currently Group Director, Marketing & Communications.

“David joined the discounter in 2007 and held a number of senior commercial roles before taking up his current position in 2013,” said Asda.

“Prior to joining Aldi, David worked at Kellogg’s in the UK and Australia for nine years.

“Asda’s acting Chief Customer Officer, Sam Dickson, will continue in this role until David arrives and will then assume responsibility for strategic Asda and George brand customer propositions with a focus on improving quality perception.

“Asda has also announced today that it has been mutually decided that Retail & Logistics Director Ken Towle will leave the business a year after joining from Nisa.”

Blackburn-based billionaire brothers Mohsin and Zuber Issa and private equity firm TDR Capital completed the £6.8 billion acquisition of a majority ownership stake in Asda from Walmart Inc. in 2021.

Walmart retains an equity investment in Asda, with an ongoing commercial relationship and a seat on the board.

Mohsin Issa, co-owner of Asda said: “I am delighted to welcome David to our business.

“Over the past 12 months, Asda has demonstrated its absolute focus on ensuring customers are at the heart of its decision making and as we continue to build our great brand for the future, his expertise will bring a new perspective to our existing strength and breadth of leadership.

“The customer team led by Sam has delivered new customer propositions such as Just Essentials, and Dropped and Locked that show how we are supporting customers during these challenging times.

“Sam will support David when he joins before transitioning into a new role looking at strategic customer initiatives. I would also like to thank Ken Towle for his contribution to the business and wish him the best for the future.”