Walmart names Andy Clarke’s successor as chief executive of Asda
Walmart has announced that the head of its Walmart China business will succeed Andy Clarke as president and chief executive of the Asda supermarket chain when he steps down in July.
Sean Clarke will take up his new role on 11 July. Having started his career in the UK at Asda back in 1996, his previous roles also include working with Walmart Japan and Walmart Canada.
Meanwhile, Andy Clarke will remain with the business until the end of July, at which point he will serve as an advisor for the remainder of 2016. He will also retain his current role as Asda’s representative in certain functions, namely as president of the IGD, a research and training charity which provides information and best practice to the global food and grocery industry.
David Cheesewright, president and chief executive of Walmart International, said: “Actively managing our global business portfolio is a key element of our international strategy, and we must have the right talent in place to lead our businesses through times of change.
“Sean is one of our most experienced global executives, and through his leadership we will build upon the momentum of Project Renewal to reposition Asda in a very competitive market place.”
Walmart has also announced that Roger Burnley will become deputy chief executive and chief operating officer of Asda when he rejoins the business in October 2016. Burnley previously worked at Asda between 1996 and 2002 and was part of the core team responsible for integrating Asda into Walmart following its acquisition in 1999.
In addition, Dirk Van De Berghe, currently president and chief executive of Walmart Canada, will take over leadership of the Walmart China business on 22 August. He will also serve as regional president for the Asia business, including Walmart Japan.
The move will then allow Scott Price, currently president and chief executive of Walmart Asia, to focus exclusively on his additional role as chief administrative officer of Walmart International.
Cheesewright added: “Together with the existing Asda executive team, Sean and Roger will serve as an incredibly powerful team to lead our Asda business. Their complementary skills and combined expertise in the UK. retail market and globally brings an unrivalled breadth of retail knowledge to Asda.
“Dirk is well positioned to lead the China and Japan businesses due to his prior roles in Asia and his deep knowledge of the retail business from his time in Europe.”
