Asda boss takes time out – but will maintain ties with Walmart

SUPERMARKET giant Asda has announced that president and chief executive Sean Clarke will be stepping down at the end of the year.

He will be replaced by current deputy chief executive and chief operating officer Roger Burnley in the new year.

Mr Clarke was appointed to the role in July 2016.

Asda explained that it had a longstanding plan for Mr Burnley to take over as chief executive, having been appointed deputy CEO and chief operating officer in October 2016.

Dave Cheesewright, chief executive of Asda owner Walmart International, said: “Roger was purposefully brought back to Asda to partner with Sean ahead of the transition to Roger taking up the position of CEO.

“He and Sean have worked as a great team and I’m really confident in Roger’s ability to continue building upon our returning momentum.”

Mr Cheesewright said that Mr Clarke would maintain ties with Walmart after stepping down as Asda CEO by year-end.

“After more than 21 years with the company, Sean has worked across five international markets including serving as president and CEO of Walmart China and obviously here in the UK too.

“He’s continually shown the ability to lead critical transformation and the last 15 months are no exception.

“Sean will continue to lead Asda until the end of December, after which he’s taking some time out and will then remain engaged with Walmart,” added Mr Cheesewright.