Asda has named Simon King as its new chief operating officer.

King will be responsible for all of retail, supply chain, customer service and internal communications, in a role that has been vacant since Andy Clarke was promoted to chief executive in May.

He is currently CEO at Panda Retail, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Savola Group.

Until last year he was CEO of Tesco Kipa in Turkey and has previously overseen a number of Tesco’s international businesses in Asia and Eastern Europe.

The appointment fills the final vacancy left on Asda’s executive management team, with Charles Redfield poised to take up his new role as chief merchandising officer on Thursday.

"I'm thrilled to welcome Simon to Asda," said Andy Clarke.

“In his career, he’s demonstrated his talents as both a strategic leader and a day-to-day operator in large complex retail businesses.

“I know he shares a commitment to people and delivering for customers. I'm looking forward to the contribution I know he'll make here at Asda.”

Read more
Can the Sam’s Club man put Asda’s food back on course? (analysis; 28 August 2010)
Asda appoints new chief merchandising officer (20 August 2010)
Clarke’s promotion leaves Asda with big shoes to fill (15 May 2010)

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