David Smith, Asda's people director, will retire from the grocer in January.

Smith, who has been with the Wal-Mart-owned grocer for more than 15 years, will be replaced on an interim basis by Caroline Massingham, retail people director for George and Asda's distribution arm.

Separately, Asda has hired Karen Hubbard as operations director for its smaller stores. Hubbard, previously retail director at BP, will look after the portfolio of shops under 16,000 sq ft.

An Asda spokeswoman said Hubbard’s appointment is not a signal that Asda will move into the convenience sector, rather she will just look after the grocer’s smaller supermarkets.

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