Asda appoints Barney Burgess, former Tesco director, as interim vice president of online.
- Burgess will head Asda’s online operations, reporting to the chief digital officer.
- David Devany is set to join Asda as the permanent online VP in 2025.
- Burgess previously contributed to Tesco’s click and collect service.
- Andrew Staniland shifts from Asda to Morrisons, impacting leadership transitions.
Asda has named Barney Burgess as its interim vice president of online operations while awaiting David Devany’s arrival next year. Burgess brings extensive expertise, having been a director at Tesco and played a key role in launching its click and collect service. His vast experience spans over 25 years in retail, consumer, and financial services, allowing him to immediately take on responsibilities at Asda.com and George.com.
In his capacity as interim VP, Burgess will be an essential figure, overseeing Asda’s online activities and bridging the gap until Devany’s scheduled start in 2025. Reporting to Matt Kelleher, the chief digital officer, he will align the strategic vision with operational execution, ensuring a cohesive digital experience across platforms.
Notably, Burgess also held a significant position at McKinsey, where he advised on operational strategies for online grocery services. This background enhances his capability to lead complex e-commerce environments, reinforcing Asda’s digital objectives during this transitional phase.
The leadership change follows Andrew Staniland’s decision to forgo joining Asda and instead take up a role at Morrisons as group trading director in February next year. Originally set to start at Asda in March, Staniland’s move signifies a shift in the supermarket’s leadership dynamics, with Burgess temporarily stepping in to fill the void with his seasoned expertise. An individual with such an extensive background is well-placed to handle these changes smoothly.
Barney Burgess’s interim leadership is integral to maintaining Asda’s online operations as it transitions to new permanent leadership, ensuring continued strategic progress.
