Asda Chief Customer Officer Steps Down

Asda has today confirmed changes to its leadership team and the appointment of a new Vice-President of Ambient and a new MD of IPL.

In a message to colleagues Mohsin Issa, co-owner of Asda confirmed that Meg Farren, Chief Customer Officer will leave the business this summer to take up the role of General Manager of KFC, UK and Ireland.

Meg joined Asda from KFC last year, where she had spent 10 years. During her time at Asda, Meg has worked on developing Asda’s new brand vision and purpose, as well as leading a number of successful campaigns – including the launch of ‘Dropped and Locked’, a £45 million investment in lowering and locking the price of over 100 family favourites until the end of the year.

Mohsin Issa said: “We are truly sad to see Meg leave Asda, but also incredibly proud to see her take on this new opportunity to lead KFC in the UK and Ireland. During her time with us she has led the Customer Team and our vision and purpose work with passion and creativity. She leaves us with a great legacy, and we wish her all the best for the future.

Meg will hand over her role in the coming months to Sam Dickson, VP Asda Brand and Proposition, who will lead the Customer Team on an interim basis. Sam joined Asda in 2021 from Waitrose and has led the reinvention of Asda’s Extra Special and Smart Price ranges, with its new expanded value range, Just Essentials landing in stores nationwide this month.

Asda also confirmed today that Kris Comerford will arrive in the business next month to take on the role of Chief Commercial Officer, as announced earlier this year. Mike Snell, who has led the Commercial Team on an interim basis will hand over to Kris over the Summer, before leaving Asda in September to take on a new role. It was also confirmed that Jane Berry has been appointed to MD of IPL, Asda’s wholly owned procurement and logistics business.

Mohsin Issa said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mike for all his work leading the Commercial Team over the last six months, and for his many years of service at Asda and leading IPL. He has been a great asset to our business, support to me and leaves for this next chapter with our best wishes.”

In a further Vice President appointment, it was confirmed today that Kristian Horabin will join Asda at the end of July as VP Ambient. Currently a Group Buying Director with Aldi and the national lead on Brexit and Quality, Kristian has extensive retail experience, having had various roles in Aldi’s Commercial team across Ambient, Fresh and GM over the last nine years.

Mohsin Issa said: “I am delighted to welcome Kristian to our business and congratulate Jane on her appointment within IPL. I look forward to welcoming Sam and Kris to our leadership team alongside Hayley, Helen, John, Ken, Mark and Simon - where I know they will have a great impact in their roles and continue grow our business for our customers.”

Source : Asda