Asda's Senior Vice President of Food and GM, Derek Lawlor has announced changes to his senior commercial food team structure.
To deliver on Asda’s long-term strategy of winning on price and investing in areas that matter most to customers, the new structure will simplify internal processes to allow for quicker decision making and enable the business to adapt and react more fluidly to customers’ needs.
Under the new structure, Non-Edible Grocery will be led by Lizzy Massey and Edible Grocery by Tracy Ford. Paul Gillow, VP Own Brand, will take on a broader remit with Commercial Strategy added to his portfolio and following a successful interim period, Richard Dent has been formally appointed to the role of VP – Fresh and Frozen.
Lawlor said, “At a time when we need to be more flexible than ever to react to our customers’ needs, I’m pleased to confirm a new structure that has been designed to draw on the strengths of a highly experienced senior leadership team.
'These changes will give suppliers better direct access to senior leaders within the business, which will allow us to deepen relationships with our supply base for the benefit of customers by driving greater quality, value and innovation opportunities.'
Lawlor continued, “By structuring our core business into Non-Edible and Edible it means we’re able to benefit from the experience of two incredibly knowledgeable leaders in Lizzy and Tracy - to utilise their expertise in their own areas, whilst also working collaboratively to maximise shared opportunities.
'Paul is continuing to deliver success in growing our Own Brand ranges and Richard has already made a big impact in our Fresh and Frozen business.'
Lawlor concluded, 'I have every confidence that this is the right team to deliver on our strategy and help us go even further for our customers, and I’m looking forward to rolling up our sleeves and getting on with the job in hand – delivering the very best for our customers.”
It was also confirmed that the General Merchandising team structure will remain unchanged and led by Lisa Lennon.