Asda names ex-Carrefour executive Jesús Lorente as new merchandising boss

Lorente will replace Andrew Moore, who is retiring in January after three years in the role and almost 10 years with the business.

The appointment comes after Walmart-owned Asda revealed that deputy chief executive Roger Burnley will replace current boss Sean Clarke from January 1.

Clarke has got Asda back on a firmer footing since being parachuted into the supermarket chain in June 2016.

The former Walmart China boss has focused on sharpening prices, improving availability, driving up product quality and enhancing customer service.

Asda registered its first quarterly sales growth for three years in the summer, when it revealed that like-for-likes has increased 1.8%.

Burnley and Lorente will form part of an executive team bidding to continue that momentum next year.

Lorente has already joined Asda and will spend two months being introduced to the business to ensure a smooth transition with Moore.

Asda boss Sean Clarke said: “I’m grateful for Andrew’s support in helping find the right time for the change, and the right successor.

“It’s been my privilege to work alongside Andrew. His contribution as chief merchandising officer and more broadly as an Asda board director has been key to the progress we’ve made in getting back to winning ways.”

Lorente joined Carrefour back in November 2009 as director of supply chain in its Spanish business.

He became chief merchandising officer for the grocery giant’s Spanish arm in December 2012 – a role he held until July.

During his time with the supermarket operator, Lorente played a key role in developing a strategy to counter its discount rivals.

Prior to joining Carrefour, Lorente spent 18 years at Unilever in the UK, Spain and the US.

Clarke said Lorente would bring “a passion for fresh food and breadth of experience in hypermarket retailing” to the grocer.