Asda recruits former Matalan CEO as non-exec director
Until last year, Jo Whitfield led Matalan’s business turnaround strategy and a refocus on value
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Asda has announced the appointment of Jo Whitfield, the former CEO of Matalan, to the role of non-executive director.
Until last year, she led Matalan’s business turnaround strategy and a refocus on value.
Whitfield, who has previously spent eight years with Asda and its clothing brand George from 2008, had held a number of senior leadership positions in operations, ecommerce, commercial, general merchandise and Asda Money and Mobile.
She then joined the Co-op, where she was chief executive of food for five years from 2017. During that time, she was awarded a CBE in the 2021 New Year honours for her work during the pandemic.
Given her experience in the convenience market from her time leading Co-op’s food business, Asda believes that Whitfield will “have a particular focus on supporting the growth of Asda Express”.
Allan Leighton, executive chairman of Asda, said: “Jo is one of the UK’s most experienced retail leaders and has a deep knowledge of the food retail, convenience and fashion markets. She also understands Asda’s DNA and the role this business plays in delivering value for hard-working families. We are delighted to welcome her back to Asda.”
Whitfield added: “Asda is one of the biggest names in retail and plays an important role in the daily lives of millions of customers and communities throughout the UK. It is a business that I have a strong affinity with and I look forward to working with Allan and the rest of the leadership team to help Asda get back on track.”
