Asda appoints David Potts as chief executive
Asda has named former Morrisons chief executive David Potts as its new chief executive with immediate effect, as Allan Leighton moves to non-executive chairman.
The story in focus
Asda has appointed former Morrisons chief executive David Potts as chief executive with immediate effect, the BBC reports. Allan Leighton, who returned to lead the chain in 2024, becomes non-executive chairman. Potts ran Morrisons for eight years until 2023 and previously led Tesco's Irish, UK and Asian operations.
- David Potts becomes Asda chief executive with immediate effect, per BBC News
- Allan Leighton moves to non-executive chairman after returning in 2024
- Potts led Morrisons for eight years until 2023
- Potts previously ran Tesco's Irish, UK and Asian businesses
- Leighton said the business had been stabilised and returned to some growth in the past two years
Leadership change
Asda said David Potts would take on the chief executive role with immediate effect, with current boss Allan Leighton becoming non-executive chairman, BBC News reported. According to Asda, Leighton had planned to step back from day-to-day running of the Leeds-based group after returning in 2024, more than two decades after he previously served as chief executive.
Leighton said that over the last two years the business had been stabilised and returned to some growth, adding that Potts's experience was what the company now required for the next stage of its transformation.
Potts's record
Potts led Morrisons from its Bradford headquarters for eight years until 2023, a period that included a turnaround and the chain's purchase by US private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice. Before that, he was chief executive of Tesco's Irish business, its UK arm and its Asian operation.
Potts said Asda had made good progress but that significant opportunities remained to reinvigorate sales, with a focus on keeping prices low for shoppers. He cited improvements to the weekly shopping trip and referenced the company's 116,296 colleagues.
Trading context
BBC News reported that last year issues with an IT upgrade hit product availability at Asda and dented sales, affecting its bottom line. In August, the supermarket reported sales had returned to growth for the current quarter for the first time in two years.
Who is Asda's new chief executive and what role does Allan Leighton take?
David Potts, former Morrisons chief executive, becomes Asda chief executive with immediate effect, BBC News reports. Allan Leighton, who returned to lead the chain in 2024, moves to non-executive chairman.
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