WEST YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND -New year, new beginnings rings particularly true for the folks over at Asda, as Roger Burnley has been named the President and CEO of Asda, effective January 1st, 2018. His new role was announced by Dave Cheesewright, CEO of Walmart International, the parent company of Asda.
“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,” said Cheesewright, in a recent press release.
Burnley returned as Chief Operating Officer and Deputy CEO in October of 2016 at Asda. At that point, he joined Sean Clarke, who had only recently been appointed as President and Chief Executive that July.
This transition has seemingly been in the making for quite some time. When describing Sean Clarke at the time of his 2016 appointment, Cheesewright said he was “one of our most experienced global executives” and Burnley would be “a future CEO.”
Clarke is set to continue his 21-year-long career at the company through the end of the year, and at the bright and shiny start of 2018, when Burnley takes on his new title, Clarke will take time off while continuing to be involved with Walmart.
“Asda is a great business, and we’ve started to realise its potential again. Sean’s focus on serving customers and simplifying the business has established a firm foundation on which we can build. Since I returned to Asda last year, I have been encouraged by the passion and professionalism of our colleagues and look forward to leading this terrific team,” said Burnley.
Just as Cheesewright expresses his eagerness to have Burnley on board in the position, in a recent press release, Clarke expressed he is looking forward to seeing the progress Asda will make under Burnley’s leadership after he leaves his 15-month-long stint.
“Asda is moving in the right direction, but there is still much more for us to do. I am excited to see the momentum continue under Roger’s leadership. Walmart has given me and my family some great opportunities. I am looking forward to taking some time out, but I will always stay connected to the company,” said Clarke.
The two will be working closely together to ensure a smooth transition come January and a happy holiday season for all its customers. So, when you pop the bubbly this New Year's Eve, don't forget to cheers to the newly promoted exec at Asda!
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