Meghan Farren to leave as Asda chief customer officer after less than a year

Asda chief customer officer Meghan Farren is leaving the retailer after less than a year in the post.

Farren is returning to KFC to become its general manager for the UK, having worked at the restaurant giant for 10 years before joining Asda last July.

Since being with the supermarket, Farren has led campaigns including the launch of its £45m ‘Dropped and Locked’ investment in lowering and locking the price of over 100 family products until the end of the year.

Farren’s role will be handed on an interim basis to Sam Dickson, VP of brand and proposition. She joined Asda in 2021 from Waitrose and has led the reinvention of Asda’s Extra Special and Smart Price ranges, including the launch of its new value range, Just Essentials.

Former Tesco executive Kris Comerford will join Asda next month to take on the role of chief commercial officer, as announced earlier this year.

Mike Snell, who has led the commercial team on an interim basis, will hand over to Comerford over the summer, before leaving Asda in September to take on a new role. It was also confirmed that Jane Berry has been appointed to MD of IPL, Asda’s wholly owned procurement and logistics business.

“We are truly sad to see Meg leave Asda, but also incredibly proud to see her take on this new opportunity to lead KFC in the UK and Ireland,” said Asda co-owner Mohsin Issa. “During her time with us she has led the customer team and our vision and purpose work with passion and creativity. She leaves us with a great legacy, and we wish her all the best for the future.”

KFC Global CEO Sabir Sami said: “Meg’s impact on the KFC brand extends far beyond her 10-year career with our UKI business. From innovation director in 2011 to her more recent role as chief marketing officer from 2015 to 2021, Meg became well renowned for her bold and brave creative leadership, a champion for our unique culture and her people first approach. 

“Meg is an exceptional leader, her people-grower capability has inspired and developed the UKI team into a hub for the next generation of leaders at KFC. I am thrilled to welcome Meg back to KFC and excited to see the UK & I business continue to grow under her leadership.”