Asda has announced a series of senior leadership changes across its property, commercial and customer functions as the retailer gears up for its 2026 growth plans.

The supermarket chain revealed Andy Newton will join the business in January as VP of property, taking charge of estates, acquisitions and store development. Newton brings senior experience from Safeway, Morrisons and, most recently, Poundstretcher.

Following his arrival, Jim Townsend will remain VP Procurement, overseeing GNFR strategy and policy, while Geri Hebberd will shift focus within her role as Senior Director, Strategy. All three will report to CFO Michael Gleeson.

In the commercial division, Max Hilliard has been appointed MD of Forza & Kober Foods, part of Asda’s sourcing arm IPL.

The move marks a return for Hilliard, who founded Forza in 2007. Meanwhile, the retailer added that Jon Hornby steps into the role of MD, IPL Produce Manufacturing, following the change.

The leadership changes follow in the wake of VP Marketing Adam Zavalis departure from the business after delivering this year’s Christmas campaign. Asda said it “thanks Adam for his contribution during the last two years and wishes him well for the future.”

The retailer will recruit a new VP to lead advertising, social, creative and design. In the interim, Pippa Prain becomes SD Marketing Planning, Propositions & Operations, providing strategic leadership across the function.

Asda also welcomes back Jen England as Interim SD Marketing Communications, covering advertising, social and design.

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