Asda vice president of ambient Duncan Cross has left the supermarket, in the latest shake-up of its senior commercial team.
In a message to suppliers, chief commercial officer Darren Blackhurst revealed Cross would be leaving the supermarket after more than 30 years. Asda is yet to appoint his replacement.
During his three decades at Asda House, veteran Cross held a number of senior food and GM category roles including head of the baby category and head of gaming.
He also spent a spell as senior director for meal solutions and frozen, during which he oversaw a notable programme to remove duplicate lines. It led to the removal of Asda Steak Cut Chips from shelves. He also launched Asda’s first Plant Based range in 2020.
Cross is one of a number of senior buyers to leave the business over recent weeks following a major restructure of its commercial team as Blackhurst pushes on with his “bay by bay reset” announced to suppliers in October.
Asda has “flattened” the team, consolidating junior buying and buying manager roles into a single buying manager level, with the loss of nine roles.
The plans, which were revealed by The Grocer earlier this month, will also lead to the creation of five new senior buying manager positions.
Cross’s departure is not part of the restructure and is in addition to the nine roles already announced to be leaving, The Grocer understands.
“After 30 years of incredible service and dedication to Asda, Duncan Cross has decided to leave the business,” said an Asda spokesperson, confirming Cross’s departure.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Duncan for his work and contribution over the last three decades and we wish him the very best for the future.”
No comments yet