Walmart’s China boss to replace Asda chief Andy Clarke
ASDA boss Andy Clarke will check out as chief executive next month as the supermarket rings the boardroom change to revive its flagging sales
Asda boss Andy Clarke will check out as chief executive next month
Its US owner, retail giant Walmart, has turned to the head of its Chinese business, Sean Clarke, to lead a turnaround of the UK’s third biggest supermarket, which has suffered seven straight quarters of declining underlying sales.
Sean Clarke, whose near-15-year career with Walmart began at Asda where he served as commercial finance director, will take up his new job on 11 July.
Andy Clarke, who has been with Asda for over two decades, including six as chief executive, will serve as an adviser for the rest of the year.
Analysts had expected him to be succeeded eventually by Roger Burnley, who is joining later this year from Sainsbury’s.
Burnley will become deputy chief executive.
Walmart International’s chief executive David Cheesewright said: “Sean is one of our most experienced global executives, and through his leadership we will build upon the momentum of Project Renewal [a programme to modernise stores, overhaul its product range and reduce costs] to reposition Asda in a very competitive market place.
Andy Clarke will serve as an adviser for the rest of the yea
Sean Clarke will lead the turnaround of the UK’s third biggest supermarket
Sean and Roger will serve as an incredibly powerful team to lead our Asda business
“I’m also excited about Roger coming back to Asda, as we view him as a top talent and a future CEO. Together with the existing executive team, Sean and Roger will serve as an incredibly powerful team to lead our Asda business.”
Sean Clarke said: “Rejoining Asda at such a critical point in the development of the UK retain market is both a challenge and a privilege.
"I’m looking forward to returning to the business that got me hooked on grocery retail.”
Asda has suffered seven straight quarters of declining underlying sales
Asda has seen its market share eroded by German pair Lidl and Aldi but Andy Clarke (no relation to Sean) refused to react to “short-term” tactics of rivals, like vouchers to woo shoppers, which he did not believe were sustainable.
Shore Capital analyst Clive Black said: “Trading has been very poor and deteriorating and Cheesewright said there’d be change in Asda’s strategy.
"I feel for Andy Clarke. He has identified the issues but I don’t think he’s been given the support in terms of human and financial capital.”