Former Asda chief marketing officer Rick Bendel has left Walmart after more than two decades working with the global retail giant.

Bendel, who left Asda to take a position working on projects at parent Walmart last year, has left due to health reasons.

Bendel first began working with Asda at agency Publicis in 1991 and moved in house in 2006 as group marketing director.

Asda chief executive Andy Clarke said: “Last week, Rick told me about his decision to leave Walmart. I first worked with him in 1992 and have come to regard him as a great colleague and friend.

“His contribution to our business is immense but who couldn’t respect his decision to put his health first. On behalf of every Asda colleague, we wish him well.”