Doug Burr, development director at the UK’s second-largest retailer Asda, is to leave the business in the New Year.

Burr, who joined Asda over four years ago, wanted to “pursue a new chapter in his career”, the retailer said.

Asda said its business had developed at a “tremendous pace” while Burr has been development director – pointing to the growth of home-shopping service asda.com and the launch of Asda Direct.

Burr will leave his role at Asda on 4 January. Until March, he will assist parent company Wal-Mart Stores in its bid to buy a majority stake in South African retailer Massmart Holdings.