Asda chief customer officer Kris Comerford is to leave the business, and will be replaced by a returning retail veteran.
The appointment will see Darren Blackhurst coming back in a senior role at Asda, having previously held the role from 2006 to 2010.
Asda said Comerford, who joined Asda in 2022, having been fresh produce category director at Tesco, had decided to leave the business with immediate effect.
Blackhurst will take over the role in July,
The move represents another remarkable twist in the Asda saga and for Blackhurst, who was serving as interim chief customer & marketing officer at Morrisons but handed in his notice in June last year after just three months in the role.
He has been providing maternity cover for Morrisons’ marketing boss Rachel Eyre, who it was announced in May was being recruited by Asda to take over as chief customer officer following David Hills’ departure later this year.
In an internal communication to Asda staff today, executive chairman Allan Leighton announced that Kris Comerford would be stepping down as chief commercial officer for food.
“Kris has been at Asda for three years and has been a key member of the executive team throughout that period. Kris’s style, approach and persona are unique. As well as being a great colleague, he is also an amazing human being,” Leighton said.
“We wish him and his family well for the future and thank him for all he has done for the company.”
Blackhurst also served previously as MD of the Coles Liquor business in Australia. He will take over on 28 July, with Ian McEvans leading the commercial team on an interim basis.
Other changes will see the Asda Express and Food Services Team, currently under Chris Walker, move to report to David Lepley. Its Fuel team will report to Blackhurst when he arrives.
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