Asda CEO and President Roger Burnley said he is exiting the business next year once the supermarket makes its full transition to new owners the Issa brothers and TDR Capital and once they have a successor in place, the company said.
Burnley, 54, who joined the company five years ago, has been the chief executive for the past three years.
“My decision to leave Asda is personal and something I wanted to communicate to my colleagues as soon as I could,” Burnley said. “Whilst I remain fully committed to leading this great business for the next year and delivering our strategy, it is right to plan for a managed succession process well in advance. It has been a great privilege to play a leading role at Asda over the last five years – putting in place a clear strategy for long-term sustainable growth and doing the right things for our customers, colleagues and the communities we serve.”
Appointing a new CEO is top priority for Mohsin and Zuber Issa, founders and co-CEOs of EG Group and TDR Capital, a leading private equity investor, who took over as top shareholder from Walmart Inc. earlier this year. A process will begin shortly to appoint a new CEO who can enhance the long-term future of the retailer.
Continued growth is their plan, which will continue under Burnley for now. Though the past year has been challenging during the pandemic, Asda’s online grocery operation is on track to fulfill one million orders per week, along with its commitments to removing plastics and donating more than 100 million meals to those in need.
The Issa brothers said jointly: “We are acutely aware of the responsibility we have in ensuring this great British brand continues to thrive for years to come – delivering great value products for customers, serving communities, and developing our colleagues.”
NHS discount extended: Morrisons said it is extending its 10% discount for the UK’s National Health Services workers through the end of the year.
“This has been an incredibly difficult year for everyone in the NHS and we have done our best to be there for them from the start,” David Potts, Morrisons Chief Executive, said. “I’m really pleased to be extending the discount, which I know will make a big difference to so many NHS staff who are working so hard to care for us all. As we all look forward to better times ahead, this is our way of showing our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the work everyone in the NHS has done – and continues to do – through the pandemic.”
Morrisons is also giving NHS workers a free Delivery Pass, valued at £65, that gives customers free delivery on their online shopping through the end of 2021.
