Register to get free articles
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
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.”
