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Asda appoints Judith McKenna as new chief operating officer

Asda

1 July 2011

Judith McKenna, Asda’s current finance director, is to take the reins as the retailer’s chief operating officer.
Judith, who joined Asda more than 15 years ago, has led Asda’s finance functions as chief financial officer since 2001.
As COO she will take on leadership of all Asda’s retail operations, including its stores, distribution network and IT systems.
She will take on the new role in September, following a planned extended summer break with her family.
In an announcement to colleagues today, Asda President and CEO Andy Clarke said "I am delighted that Judith McKenna is to become our chief operating officer.
“In the last year alone, her work leading the Netto acquisition and integration programme ‐ which is reinventing our retail future ‐ demonstrates that she’s the natural choice for this role.
“She also represents someone who lives Asda’s culture everyday. Her understanding of our business, her passion for people development, her down‐to‐earth style and ability to get things done, will all contribute to ensuring she is a great COO.”
Judith joined Asda from financial roles in the brewing and pub retailing industry – working with Allied Domecq and Carlsberg Tetley, after qualifying as a chartered accountant with KPMG in London. She is currently Chair of the CBI’s distributive trades panel.