Co-op and Asda chiefs awarded New Year Honours for pandemic efforts

Co-op chief executive Steve Murrells and former Asda boss Roger Burnley, who stepped down last August, have both been made CBEs for services to the food supply chain.

Asda’s Jo Scott, community champion at its store in Pwllheli, Wales, was also given a BEM in recognition of her work in the local area.

The awards come following another challenging year for food retailers, which were hit by a perfect storm of problems during the coronavirus crisis and increasing red tape on imports following Britain’s exit from the EU.

Supermarkets were hit by staff shortages during the ‘pingdemic’ as workers were forced to isolate, while a shortage of HGV drivers made it difficult to keep shelves stocked, particularly at peak trading periods.

Murrells said: “It is a great honour to receive this award, which reflects and acknowledges the journey our Co-op has been on in recent years.

“Every day we are making a positive difference to the lives of millions of Co-op members, customers and the communities in which they live.

“This award recognises the broader social impact a strong and vibrant Co-op can make within society and the tireless support of 60,000 incredible Co-op colleagues in making this happen.”

Burnley, who left Asda abruptly last summer following its £6.8bn takeover by the Issa brothers and TDR Capital, said: “I am incredibly proud, and humbled, by this recognition. Everyone in the UK food industry has done an amazing job against the relentless backdrop of the Covid pandemic and no one more so than our fantastic Asda colleagues, who have worked tirelessly and selflessly throughout to feed the nation.”

Mohsin and Zuber Issa added: “We’re delighted and incredibly proud that once again our great business has been recognised in the New Year Honours list.

“We are constantly impressed by the hard work and dedication of all the team here at Asda and these honours are well-deserved recognition – not just of Roger and Jo – but of everything everyone at Asda has done throughout the pandemic to support the communities they serve.”