Darren Blackhurst returns to Asda

Asda has appointed Darren Blackhurst as its chief commercial officer – food.

Blackhurst previously worked with Asda in the role of group trading director from 2006 to 2010 and subsequently held senior positions at Matalan, Kingfisher, Coles and Morrisons. Earlier in his career, he worked as commercial director (SEVP) with Tesco in Thailand.

He will succeed Kris Comerford who is stepping down after three years in the role.

In an internal communication to Asda staff, Asda chairman Allan Leighton said: “I’m delighted to announce that Darren Blackhurst will be re-joining the company as chief commercial officer – food.

“Darren spent four years at Asda in this role between 2006 and 2010, as well as a similar role at Morrisons, and recently has been the MD of the Coles Liquor business in Australia.”

Blackhurst will join the business at the end of July. In the meantime, Ian McEvans will “hold the fort” with the commercial team on an interim basis.

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Asda has also announced that the Asda Express and food services team under Chris Walker will move to report into David Lepley, with Jo Whitfield continuing to chair the business. The fuel team will report to Blackhurst  when he takes up his role.