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David Potts CBE has been appointed as Group CEO of Asda, while Allan Leighton transitions to the role of Non-Executive Group Chairman.
Asda has announced the appointment of David Potts CBE as its new Group CEO, effective immediately. According to a statement from Asda, the appointment coincides with Allan Leighton becoming Non-Executive Group Chairman as planned.
In a press release issued by Asda on November 3, 2026, the company detailed the leadership changes. Allan Leighton, the Group Chairman, expressed enthusiasm regarding the appointment, stating, “I am really excited to have appointed David as Group CEO. Over the last two years, we have stabilised the business and returned it to some growth and begun to establish Asda as ‘more than a supermarket’ through our Formula for Growth strategy.”
Leighton further noted that Potts has an "outstanding record in our industry" and that his experience is "exactly what we now require for the next stage of our transformation and beyond."
David Potts, who previously served as a director at both Morrisons and Tesco, will take over the leadership of the company. In a statement, Potts said, “Asda has long been a great business, one I’ve admired and traded against over many years. The colleagues are remarkable, some of the most passionate I’ve met."
Potts indicated that while the business has made progress, there are still significant opportunities ahead. He stated, “The business has made good progress but significant opportunities remain and I’m delighted and very proud to have been asked by Allan to lead the team."
As part of his leadership, Potts highlighted a commitment to providing value to families across the UK. He noted that by making improvements to the weekly shopping trip that customers can "experience and feel in their pockets," the company aims to "revitalise the business and bring benefits for all our stakeholders, including our 116,296 very hard-working colleagues."
With the holiday season approaching, Potts mentioned that the company has a specific focus on pricing. “Christmas is upon us and the business has a clear focus on keeping Asda prices locked low at this important time for our customers. I’m excited to get started,” Potts said.
Reports from Retail Week and the Financial Times confirm Potts's professional background, noting his previous roles as a director at Morrisons and Tesco. Asda's recent corporate activity includes several initiatives, such as the launch of Rewards Plus to assist customers in Scotland and the opening of new permanent employment routes for young people.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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