Asda’s search for a new CEO has hit a roadblock, with the supermarket reportedly ‘back to square one.’
- Search firm Spencer Stuart has approached multiple retail leaders, who have declined the role.
- Stuart Rose and Rob Hattrell emphasized the urgency of appointing a new CEO at Asda’s recent conference.
- Following Mohsin Issa’s step back, Lord Rose has assumed leadership of Asda, along with Rob Hattrell.
- Industry sources say the search efforts have run dry, but insiders suggest the current leadership is re-evaluating their options.
Asda is facing significant challenges in its pursuit to appoint a new CEO, with industry insiders describing the situation as being ‘back to square one.’ The company has enlisted the services of search firm Spencer Stuart, yet reports indicate a ‘conveyor belt’ of potential candidates have declined to take on the role.
The issue of appointing a new leader was addressed at Asda’s ‘Golden Quarter’ conference, where Stuart Rose and Rob Hattrell spoke to 3,000 store managers and leaders. They stressed the importance of finding a CEO with the right experience and capability to lead a business of Asda’s stature and market position. Despite the urgency expressed, the process remains ‘ongoing,’ with no definitive timeline for an appointment, according to an Asda spokesperson.
In the interim, Lord Rose has taken charge of Asda’s operations following Mohsin Issa’s decision to step back from his executive responsibilities. Rose is joined by Rob Hattrell, known for his previous executive roles at eBay in Europe and Tesco, to manage the chain amidst these transitions.
While some industry insiders label the recruitment efforts as a ‘car crash,’ implying a complete restart, sources close to Asda argue otherwise. They maintain that Rose’s leadership affords the company a chance to reassess and explore new avenues in their executive search strategy.
Asda’s quest for a new CEO is ongoing, highlighting the complexities and challenges in securing top retail leadership.
