Asda experiences significant leadership shake-up as key figures transition roles.
- Kristian Horabin departs Asda, concluding his impactful tenure in commercial business.
- In light of leadership changes, Asda appoints several new senior executives.
- Mohsin Issa steps back from his Asda executive role to focus on EG Group.
- Asda continues strategic expansion by hiring leaders from prominent competitors.
Asda is undergoing a notable leadership transition, highlighted by Kristian Horabin’s departure. Horabin, who served as the managing director of commercial business, joined the company in June 2022. Initially taking on the role of vice president of commercial food, he was promoted in October 2023 to oversee the retailer’s food service divisions, including Leon, healthcare, and other areas. His prior experience spans over 13 years at Aldi, serving in roles such as group buying director. This week, Kris Comerford, Asda’s chief commercial officer for food, communicated Horabin’s decision to exit the organization to suppliers, emphasizing his new opportunities outside of Asda and the retail sector.
Horabin’s tenure at Asda will extend until March of the following year as he fulfills his notice period. During this time, he will continue to manage Asda’s fuel, non-edible grocery, drinks, healthcare, food services, and Leon business operations, while preparing for a comprehensive handover to his successor.
Parallel to Horabin’s exit, Mohsin Issa has officially vacated his executive leadership role at Asda to concentrate on his responsibilities as the sole CEO of EG Group. This transition sees Asda’s chairman Stuart Rose assuming executive duties temporarily, with assistance from Rob Hattrell, a partner at TDR Capital and a director on Asda’s board.
Asda’s strategy is further strengthened by the appointment of several senior executives, each bringing valuable expertise from rival firms. These strategic hires include Matt Kelleher, former chief information officer at Morrisons, who marks Asda’s first chief digital officer. Additionally, David Devany, previously heading customer, marketing, and digital sectors at Iceland Group, now serves as Asda’s vice president for ecommerce. Matt Heslop, former Lidl COO, joins to lead store and depot operations, including the burgeoning Asda Express chain consisting of 470 convenience stores.
These leadership changes signify Asda’s commitment to evolving its strategic approach and strengthening its market position.
