Asda boss Allan Leighton is the first confirmed speaker for LIVE: Retail Week x The Grocer 2026, with more big-name retail insiders and industry experts set to be announced.

In what will be his first event appearance since returning to Asda last year, Leighton has been confirmed for an on-stage interview with Retail Week editor-in-chief Charlotte Hardie and is the first confirmed speaker with more to follow.

Grocery guru Leighton is currently the chief executive chair of Asda and is the man currently spearheading the grocer’s turnaround following its turbulent recent period under the ownership of the Issa brothers.

Leighton returned to his post at Asda in November 2024, having previously run the grocer as chief executive from 1996 to 2000, replacing another industry veteran in former Marks & Spencer boss Lord Stuart Rose.

During his first stint at Asda, Leighton played an instrumental role in turning the business around then, including orchestrating its sale to US retail giant Walmart alongside Archie Norman.

Prior to that, Leighton spent more than a decade as the chairman of the Co-op and of the Royal Mail.

To find out more about LIVE 2026 and to book your place, visit the LIVE website.

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