Asda reshuffles senior management pack after KFC poaches director

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Asda has reshuffled its senior management team after KFC poached its chief customer officer Meg Farren.

CCO Meg Farren

Chief customer officer Meg Farren is rejoining KFC after just over a year at Asda

The grocer’s co-owner Mohsin Issa emailed staff on Tuesday morning (June 14), announcing that Farren would be departing the business in the summer to rejoin KFC after just over a year at the business.

During her stint at Asda, Farren worked on developing Asda’s new brand vision and purpose and on a number of campaigns such as its ‘Dropped and Locked’ price promotion.

Issa said: “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. 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.”

Farren will rejoin KFC as general manager, having previously worked there for a decade.

KFC store

Farren will rejoin KFC, having previously worked there for a decade

KFC global chief executive 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 and Ireland business continue to grow under her leadership.”

She will rejoin the fast food specialist in the autumn.

Replacing Farren on an interim basis will be Asda’s brand and proposition vice-president Sam Dickson, who joined the retailer in 2021 from Waitrose. During his time at Asda, Dickson has led the reinvention of Asda’s Extra Special and Smart Price ranges.

Kris Comerford will join the business in July to take up his new role as chief commercial officer, replacing Mike Snell who has led the team on an interim basis and will be departing the grocer.

Asda also said it had poached Aldi group buying director Kristian Horabin as its new vice-president of ambient.