Asda has appointed former Co-Op food boss Jo Whitfield to its non-executive board, with a particular focus on growing the retailer’s Express convenience business.
The move represents a “return home” for Whitfield, who joined Asda in 2008. She worked with the grocer for eight years in senior leadership positions in operations, ecommerce, commercial, general merchandise and Asda Money & Mobile.
Whitfield went on to c-store specialist Co-Op, where she was chief executive of food for five years from 2017 – and awarded a CBE in 2021 for her work during the Covid pandemic.
She then went on to fashion retailer Matalan, where she was chief executive for 18 months leading the brand’s turnaround.
Asda said that Whitfield’s “breadth of experience in the convenience market” from her time at the Co-Op meant she’d have a “particular focus on supporting the growth of Asda Express”.
The retailer’s executive chairman Allan Leighton said: “Jo is one of the UK’s most experienced retail leaders and has a deep knowledge of the food retail, convenience and fashion markets. She also understands Asda’s DNA and the role this business plays in delivering value for hard-working families. We are delighted to welcome her back to Asda.”
Whitfield said: “Asda is one of the biggest names in retail and plays an important role in the daily lives of millions of customers and communities throughout the UK. It is a business that I have a strong affinity with and I look forward to working with Allan and the rest of the leadership team to help Asda get back on track.”
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