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Asda has announced the appointment of Darren Blackhurst as its new chief commercial officer for food, marking his return to the supermarket after more than a decade.
Blackhurst, who held the same role at Asda between 2006 and 2010, will rejoin the business on 28 July. He replaces Kris Comerford, who is stepping down after three years.
A retail executive with significant experience, Blackhurst has held senior positions at Matalan, Morrisons and Coles in Australia. He most recently served as managing director of Coles Liquor.
In February 2024, Blackhurst briefly returned to Morrisons as interim chief customer and marketing officer, a position initially expected to become permanent but which ended after three months amid a broader leadership reshuffle under chief executive Rami Baitiéh.
Ian McEvans will lead the commercial team on an interim basis until Blackhurst takes up the role.
As part of wider leadership changes, the Asda Express and Food Services team under Chris Walker will now report to David Lepley and Jo Whitfield will remain chair.
Meanwhile, Asda’s fuel team will report to Blackhurst from the end of July.
