Asda's George boss Fiona Lambert to step down from the grocer

Lambert, who worked alongside George founder George Davies to establish the fashion brand in 1990, has decided to leave the supermarket giant after two stints with the business. It is not yet known who will replace her. 

The news comes a day after Asda unveiled plans to axe up to 300 jobs at its headquarters in Leeds as it responds to “permanent structural change” within the grocery industry. But Asda said Lambert’s departure was not among the swathe of redundancies.

After helping to launch the George brand, Lambert departed to join Next as womenswear product director in November 1999.

But after seven years with the retail titan, Lambert re-joined Asda in June 2007 as vice president of George and George Home, overseeing the design, buying and quality of George clothing. She also led the launch of the George homewares range in 2014.

Last January, Lambert took up the role of vice president for own brand development and design.

An Asda spokeswoman said: “It is with no small regret that we can confirm Fiona has chosen to leave the business.

“Fiona has made a significant contribution, with her own unique style, throughout her time with Asda as an ambassador for Tickled Pink, a supporter of Women in Leadership and externally as a judge on the coveted Gold Award judging panel for Graduate Fashion Week.

“Fiona leaves the business with our very best wishes for the future.”