Asda kick starts the year with new exec appointments

The supermarket chain has appointed Anna-Maree Shaw as its chief customer officer to replace Andy Murray at the end of January.

Australian-born Shaw is currently working at Queensland University developing its digital strategy and roadmap as part of its customer experience programme. She also runs her own company Customer Dialogue.

Shaw has previously held chief marketing officer roles in Australia as well as the UK retail sector.

Asda chief executive Roger Burnley has also appointed Helen Selby as general counsel and company secretary following Alex Simpson’s departure last year.

Selby was formerly general counsel and company secretary at Hovis and most recently Mars Wrigley UK.

There have also been several internal promotions.

SVP of operations Anthony Hemmerdinger has been promoted to chief operating officer and Mark Simpson – who joined the business as a graduate in 1997 – has been appointed to the board as chief supply chain officer to lead the grocer’s supply and logistics functions.

The new arrivals will complete Asda’s leadership team and join Hayley Tatum, chief people officer; Derek Lawlor, chief merchandising officer; and Rob McWilliam, chief financial officer.

Burnley said: “As we kick off 2020, I am very confident that not only do we have the right team in place, but also the right strategy to make sure we can continue to serve our customers and grow our business, not just for this year but beyond.”