Asda undergoes another leadership change with the departure of Kristian Horabin, its managing director of commercial business.
- Horabin joined Asda in 2022, originally serving as vice president of commercial food, before his promotion in 2023.
- His exit follows significant restructuring within Asda, including the departure of Mohsin Issa from his executive role.
- Asda continues to appoint new leadership, with recent additions from Morrisons, Iceland, and Lidl to enhance its digital and operational capabilities.
- The company is navigating a critical phase, marked by strategic personnel shifts intended to bolster its market position.
Asda is experiencing another wave of changes in its leadership team, marked by the departure of Kristian Horabin, who has served as the managing director of commercial business. Since joining Asda in June 2022 as the vice president of commercial food, Horabin ascended to his current role in October 2023, overseeing various sectors including healthcare and non-edible grocery.
Horabin’s departure was communicated by Kris Comerford, Asda’s chief commercial officer for food, through an email to suppliers, highlighting Horabin’s decision to explore opportunities outside of the retail sector. Comerford confirmed that Horabin would fulfil his notice period, remaining with the company until March next year to oversee a seamless transition.
This leadership shake-up comes closely after Mohsin Issa’s step back from his executive duties at Asda to concentrate on his role as the sole CEO of EG Group. In response, Asda has reassigned executive responsibilities to Stuart Rose, the chairman, alongside TDR Capital partner Rob Hattrell.
In recent months, Asda has actively refreshed its leadership portfolio, bringing on board industry veterans from prominent retailers to drive its digital evolution and operational expansion. These include Matt Kelleher from Morrisons as the chief digital officer, David Devany from Iceland taking over as vice president for ecommerce, and Matt Heslop from Lidl leading the store and depot operations.
Amidst these strategic developments, Asda is positioning itself to strengthen its market foothold. The integration of new talents into its leadership ranks is indicative of its commitment to embracing change and enhancing service delivery across its various portfolios.
Asda’s ongoing leadership restructuring underscores its strategy to adapt and compete effectively in the evolving retail landscape.
