Asda has hired a new chief people officer who will join from rival Tesco as the Leeds grocer pushes ahead with its turnaround programme.
Asda has appointed James Goodman, Tesco’s UK and Ireland people director, to the role. He will play a crucial role at Asda, where returned chair Allan Leighton aims to restore its traditional shopfloor strengths among a workforce that had become demoralised under the leadership of the Issa brothers.
Goodman will replace Hayley Tatum, who has been on the executive board since 2011 and, it is understood, informed the retailer earlier this year that she intended to step back.
Leighton said: “I’m looking forward to welcoming James to Asda later this year. He brings a huge amount of experience with him and will be a vital part of the leadership team as we continue to rebuild and deliver on our ambition to once again be the best place to work in the UK.”
Goodman said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Asda and being able to introduce myself to the wonderful colleagues that power Asda day in and day out. Asda is a great business and I can’t wait to roll my sleeves up and join Allan and the rest of the leadership team on our mission to return Asda to where it belongs, as a champion for hard-working families and a brilliant place to work.”
Before being recruited at Asda, Goodman spent 12 years at Tesco including time in Shanghai as sourcing director for the home and clothing division. He also previously worked at fashion retailer Gap.
No comments yet