Richard Hodgson, brand and marketing director for Asda, has been appointed as the replacement for Angela Megson as director of buying for Waitrose.

Hodgson takes up his new role in the autumn. He has worked at Asda for a number of years and has held a variety of trading and marketing roles there, including business unit director for grocery, marketing director and brand director.

In February his brand director role was expanded to include marketing when Asda's marketing director, Chris Pilling, left after four years in the role.

During his time at Asda he worked on a number of campaigns, most recently securing footballer Wayne Rooney for promotions, such as its World Cup drive.

Hodgson will replace Megson, who surprised the industry by leaving the retailer in January without another job to go to (The Grocer, 10 December, p14). Waitrose said that Megson had played a leading role in strengthening the company over the past three years.

Sir Stuart Hampson, chairman of Waitrose's parent company The John Lewis Partnership, said: "I am delighted that Richard is joining the board of Waitrose. Waitrose is a leader in high quality fresh food and product innovation and Richard will play a key role in maintaining and developing the strength of our offer to customers. He brings in-depth buying and marketing expertise in food retailing and strong personal leadership skills."

Hodgson said: "I am absolutely passionate about great food. Waitrose is the very best fresh food retailer in the business and is renowned for the strength of its supplier relationships. This is a hugely exciting time for me to join the company. Within the retail trade, everyone agrees that Waitrose sets the standard for fresh food and my challenge will be to raise the bar even further."

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