Asda, in the wake of what it has described as “unprecedented conditions” in the British supermarket price war, is to effect a new shake-up of its senior management, which will see the departure of Colin Hill, the retailer's vice-president for grocery trading and food merchandising.
A spokesperson said on behalf of Asda that the restructuring of its managerial framework is designed to “streamline accountabilities” and facilitate “swifter decision-making,” Retail-Week.Com reports.
Asda's 2015 Q1 sales were the retailer's worst in five years.
The retailer's new vice-president for fresh produce is to come from Tesco in the form of Derek Lawlor. Karl Martin will take on the role of vice-president of convenience and emerging markets (a newly created position), and Phil Briggs will take over as its grocery trading vice-president.
Speaking of the restructure, which will affect up to 20 jobs, Asda said, “There has been unprecedented change across our industry over the past two years. Whilst we’ve already taken steps to ensure our business is fit for the future and have a clear strategy in place, it is necessary to continually evolve and review our organisational structures to deliver this.
“As part of this, we’ve made some head-office changes across a small number of areas to streamline accountabilities and allow swifter decision-making.”
© 2015 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article written by Peter Donnelly.
