Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

​Former Co-op top executive joins Asda ​

Asda brings Jo Whitfield on board

Asda Co-op

Photo: Google Maps via LDRS

Supermarket Asda has announced the joining of Jo Whitfield in its board of directors as a Non-executive Director to support its turnaround plans.

Whitfield previously spent eight years at Asda from 2008 onwards, holding a number of senior positions in operations, e-commerce, commercial, general merchandise and money & mobile.


She then joined the Co-op, where she was Chief Executive of Food for five years from 2017. Until last year, she was the CEO at Matalan, leading a business turnaround strategy.

Asda noted that given her breadth of experience in the convenience market from her time at the Co-op, she will have a particular focus on supporting the growth of the group’s Express c-store chain.

In recent weeks, Asda’s new Chairman, Allan Leighton, has made several changes to the struggling retailer’s management team to support his strategy to return the chain to its traditional focus on value.

He is also reported to have restarted the group’s search for a Chief Executive, having operated without a permanent leader since the abrupt departure of Roger Burnley in August 2021.

At the end of January, Asda announced that it was cutting prices on over 4,000 products as part of a move to re-establish its value credentials and win back shoppers after a slump in its market share over the past year.

Commenting on his latest appointment, Leighton said, “Jo is one of the UK’s most experienced retail leaders and has a deep knowledge of the food retail, convenience and fashion markets.

"She also understands Asda’s DNA and the role this business plays in delivering value for hard-working families. We are delighted to welcome her back to Asda.”

Whitfield, who will join Asda shortly, added, “Asda is one of the biggest names in retail and plays an important role in the daily lives of millions of customers and communities throughout the UK.

"It is a business that I have a strong affinity with and I look forward to working with Allan and the rest of the leadership team to help Asda get back on track.”

More for you

David Murray promoted as pladis CMO, Mete Buyurgan takes UK & Ireland helm

Mete Buyurgan (L) and David Murray

David Murray named pladis CMO

Snacking giant pladis has announced David Murray, currently leader of its UK and Ireland enterprise, will transition to the newly created position of global chief commercial officer.

After five years at the helm of pladis UK&I, Murray’s new role will see him take ownership of the company’s global platform and brand strategy along with its commercial transformation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Illegal cigarettes in Meir

Illegal cigarettes

iStock

Thousands of illegal cigarettes seized from Meir shop raids

More than £20,000 worth of illicit tobacco and vapes were seized from multiple premises in an one-day operation in Meir by Trading Standards team along with officers from Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Police.

The operation is the latest across the city that resulted in 13 shops being closed in the last 12 months, and forms part of Operation Cece, which is a National Trading Standards initiative in Partnership with HMRC to tackle illegal tobacco.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Don Julio Tequila

Don Julio Tequila, owned by Diageo. The spirits giant sells billions of dollars worth of tequila and Canadian whisky in the US.

Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for Flipper's Boogie Palace

Diageo suggests tougher rules of origin requirements as alternative to Trump’s tariffs

Spirits giant Diageo has suggested the US government consider tougher rules of origin requirements in trade agreements as an alternative to tariffs, a letter to the US Trade Representative showed.

In the March 11 letter, Diageo, the world's top spirits maker caught in the crossfire of US president Donald Trump's effort to remake global trade, argued that new rules of origin could support his aims and benefit the industry.

Keep ReadingShow less
Asda store with Rollback pricing sign for 2024 sales strategy

Asda Express stores offset sales dip at the supermarket

Asda's profits climb despite sales decline, driven by George and Express

Asda on Friday reported a decline in its annual sales for the 2024 financial year, but the retailer has seen profits rising on margin gains.

The supermarket chain said its total revenue for the year to 31 December 2024 declined by 0.8 per cent to £21.7 billion, while like-for-like sales (excluding fuel) were lower by 3.4 per cent.

Keep ReadingShow less
Strategic Ranging of Premium Apple Cider Essential for 2025 Sales

Henry Westons Vintage 500ml is the number one cider SKU in the convenience channel

Crafted cider surge: Retailers urged to embrace premiumisation for sales boost

The unstoppable rise of crafted apple cider is setting the benchmark for success in the UK’s £1.1 billion off-trade cider market, according to the latest Westons Cider Report.

The leading cider producer advises that convenience retailers who prioritise premium products and strategic ranging will be best placed to drive sales in 2025.

Keep ReadingShow less