Asda appoints former Microsoft exec as IT chief

The retailer has announced former Microsoft executive Cal Corcoran as its new group chief information officer, as reported by The Grocer. 

An expert in “IT transformation” at scale, Corcoran will join the supermarket today to lead Asda’s technology and data teams. He will replace former IT boss Matt Kelleher, who stepped down suddenly in October.

Despite this being his first direct role in UK grocery, Corcoran brings a “wealth of experience” from his 25-year career working in banking, big tech, oil and gas, and aerospace.

He was previously global head of banking services at Microsoft until June 2024, but has also worked in senior IT roles for Barclays, Gatwick Airport, Castrol and BP.

It is a critical appointment for the embattled Asda, as executive chair Allan Leighton looks to press on with his turnaround plan, after months of “severe disruption” to stores, online shopping and depots following the final stage of Project Future.

Already billed as retail’s largest ever IT project, Leighton revealed in quarterly results before Christmas that the “self-inflicted” issues had “materially impacted” Asda’s sales, setting back Asda’s recovery by around six months.

The supermarket is understood to have gone through the vast majority of the major disruptions, and now that it has complete control over its own systems, it is working to modernise its IT infrastructure.

It includes a major deal with Corcoran’s former employers Microsoft in September to roll out next-generation AI and cloud services across the supermarket.

“Our use of data and technology is a critical element of our business that enables us to show up for our customers in the ways they expect,” said Leighton.

“I’m delighted that Cal is joining the senior leadership team as we double down on our formula for growth as we head into 2026, and I look forward to welcoming Cal to the business.”