The departure of Kristian Horabin marks another significant change in Asda’s leadership team.
- Kristian Horabin, appointed as Asda’s managing director of commercial food services in 2023, is leaving the role.
- Horabin’s exit follows notable leadership changes, including the shift of Mohsin Issa and new senior appointments.
- Kris Comerford communicated the news to suppliers, ensuring Horabin’s continued service until March 2025.
- The leadership shake-up involves key roles in digital and ecommerce, highlighting Asda’s strategic focus.
Asda’s leadership team is undergoing significant changes, with the departure of Kristian Horabin, the managing director of commercial business. Having joined Asda in June 2022, Horabin was initially appointed as vice president of commercial food before ascending to his current role in October 2023. During his tenure, he led crucial divisions including food services, healthcare, and non-edible grocery. Prior to his stint at Asda, Horabin accumulated over 13 years of experience at Aldi, where he held various roles such as group buying director.
The announcement of Horabin’s departure was made by Kris Comerford, chief commercial officer for food, in an email addressed to suppliers. Comerford stated, ‘I wanted to share with you that after two years with the business, Kristian Horabin has decided to leave us to take up an opportunity outside of Asda and the retail sector.’ It was also noted that Horabin would be fulfilling his notice period up until March next year, ensuring a smooth transition and handover of responsibilities, including areas like fuel and healthcare.
Horabin’s departure is part of a broader leadership transition at Asda. Mohsin Issa recently stepped back from his executive leadership position to focus on his responsibilities as the sole CEO of EG Group. Meanwhile, Asda’s chairman, Stuart Rose, is set to take on Issa’s executive duties in collaboration with Rob Hattrell, a TDR Capital partner and board director.
In parallel, Asda has made several strategic appointments to bolster its leadership amidst these transitions. This includes the hiring of former Morrisons chief information officer Matt Kelleher, who assumes the role of Asda’s first chief digital officer, and David Devany, formerly from Iceland, now vice president for ecommerce. Furthermore, Matt Heslop from Lidl has been appointed to oversee the operations of Asda’s stores and depots, particularly within the newly created Asda Express division, which encompasses 470 convenience stores.
Kristian Horabin’s impending departure and recent executive appointments underscore Asda’s evolving leadership landscape.
