Uk retailer Asda today [Thursday] announced a number of key changes to its management team.

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The main changes include:


· The appointment of David Downie to the vacant operations director role. In his 12 year career at Asda, Downie has been part of the business’ 1990s renewal team and had roles as varied as retail finance director, divisional retail trading manager and retail marketing manager.


· John Cleland moves from retail managing director for Asda’s eastern division to focus on operations for Wal-Mart’s recent acquisition of Seiyu in Japan. John will join a study team in Japan as part of Wal-Mart’s investment in a three-company alliance with Seiyu Ltd and Sumitomo Corp.


· Joining Asda in August to replace Cleland as retail MD in Asda’s eastern division will be Philip Auld. Auld has worked for B&Q for two years and is currently director of operations for their warehouse format and has championed significant business change. Prior to B&Q he worked for 22 years in senior roles for Marks and Spencer plc.

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· Succeeding Downie in the north as retail MD will be Asda’s general merchandise director Tony Page. In his eight-year career at Asda Tony has overseen the rapid growth of the non-food businesses including the establishment of new pharmacy, optical, jewellery and photo divisions.


Commenting on the changes, Asda’s COO Tony DeNunzio said: “These changes substantially strengthen our retail team. What’s more, John’s move to Japan demonstrates the accelerating contribution of Asda people to the growing success of Wal-Mart’s international businesses.”