Supermarket chain Asda has appointed Morrisons’ former interim chief customer and marketing officer Darren Blackhurst as its new chief commercial officer for food.

Set to take over on 28 July, Blackhurst will join the grocery giant’s executive committee and will replace the outgoing Kris Comerford, who steps down after three years.

In his new role, Blackhurst will report into executive chairman Allan Leighton and the rest of the board. Before he officially joins, Ian McEvans, commercial VP of fresh and frozen, will lead the team on an interim basis.

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Commenting on the news in an internal communication, Leighton said Comerford‘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,” he added.

Comerford joined Asda in 2022 after a lengthy 17-year spell with rival Tesco, where his last role had been as commercial director of UK packaged food.