Asda chief marketing officer Rick Bendel has been promoted to a new role of international chief marketing officer for parent company Wal-Mart.

Bendel will provide support for the company’s international marketing operations outside the US. He will continue to work from Asda’s Leeds head office and report to Asda chief executive Andy Bond.

Bond said: “This announcement is fantastic news for both Rick and the wider team here in the UK. It is also a great endorsement of Asda by Wal-Mart.”

Bendel, who joined Asda three years ago, will continue his current role as well as supporting the marketing officers in 14 other Wal-Mart countries including Brazil and China.