Asda has named Darren Blackhurst as its new Chief Commercial Officer for Food, marking his return to the company after more than ten years.
Darren Blackhurst, who served as Asda’s Chief Commercial Officer for Food from 2006 to 2010, is set to return to the role at the end of July. He will succeed Kris Comerford, who is stepping down after three years with the supermarket.
A veteran in the retail industry, Darren Blackhurst brings a wealth of experience to the role, having held senior board-level positions at Matalan, Morrisons, and most recently serving as Managing Director of Coles Liquor in Australia.
Blackhurst’s appointment comes a year after he briefly returned to Morrisons in February 2024 as interim Chief Customer and Marketing Officer—a role initially expected to become permanent but which concluded after just three months amid a broader leadership reshuffle led by CEO Rami Baitiéh.
Asda executive chairman Allan Leighton said: “Kris has been at Asda for three years and has been a key member of the executive team throughout that period.
“Kris’s style, approach and persona are unique – as well as being a great colleague, he is also an amazing human being.
“We wish him and his family well for the future and thank him for all he has done for the company.”
Ian McEvans will head the commercial team on an interim basis until Darren Blackhurst officially takes over the role on 28 July.
As part of broader leadership changes, the Asda Express and Food Services team, led by Chris Walker, will now report to David Lepley, while Jo Whitfield will continue to chair the business. Once Darren Blackhurst assumes his role, the fuel team will report directly to him.
