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Asda has announced changes to its executive leadership team as it enters into the new year with the appointment of Ken Towle as its new retail director with responsibility for all Asda’s stores.
Towle joins Asda from Nisa, where has held responsibility for supplying over 4000 stores across Great Britain and Ireland as CEO since 2018. Prior to leading Nisa, Towle spent 30 years with Tesco, where he worked in a variety of roles.
The retailer also revealed that Derek Lawlor, who has led Asda’s commercial team since 2019, has decided to leave the business after six years. Kris Comerford will join the business in late summer 2022 as chief commercial officer, food.
According to the retailer, Comerford will join Asda from Tesco, where he has most recently held the role of UK commercial director, packaged foods, fuel and tobacco.
With the increasing relevance of online to Asda’s business, the firm has also said that Simon Gregg, who currently leads Asda’s online operation, is joining the executive leadership team.
In addition, Liz Evans has joined the executive leadership team this week as MD, George, leading Asda’s fashion and GM business.
Mohsin and Zuber Issa, co-owners with TDR Capital Ltd, said: “Today we are confirming changes to the leadership of our business as we set ourselves up for the future.
“The appointment of Ken Towle, Kris Comerford and Simon Gregg to our leadership team will bring a great combination of experience and new thinking to our table.”
Mohsin and Zuber added: “We are delighted that we continue to attract such talent to our great business. Together, we will continue to put our customers at the heart of all our decision making and focus on delivering excellent service in what we know will be another challenging period for consumers.”
Towle said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining the Asda team and I am really looking forward to getting started later in the year.”
