Travis Perkins has snapped up long-standing Asda executive Phil Tenney to take up the role of chief information and technology officer, Retail Week can reveal.

Tenney, who has been at Asda for eight years, will be stepping down as chief technology and digital officer to join Travis Perkins early next year. 

Prior to his time at Asda, Tenney held senior technology roles at Morrisons and Halifax.

Tenney will report to Travis Perkins chief executive Nick Roberts in his new role.  

A statement from the builder’s merchant and home improvement retailer said: “We are delighted that Phil will be joining us in early 2021 as chief information and technology officer for the Travis Perkins Group. 

“He joins the business at a crucial time and will help us to build on the significant progress we have made with our digital transformation in recent months in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Phil will help to lead our work in this area and comes with a great track record in overseeing similar digital transformation and modernisation programmes that he has delivered across his previous roles. We look forward to having him on our team.” 

Tenney will be succeeded at Asda by former Morrisons chief technology officer and Halfords chief information officer Anna Barsby.

In a memo seen by Retail Week, Asda’s chief operating officer Anthony Hemmerdinger said: “We are now developing our digital and technology plans to support business separation as we start our journey to new ownership, and so we are delighted that Anna Barsby will soon be joining to lead this for us. 

“Anna is currently managing director and co-founder of Tessiant, a digital transformation business that supports several clients, including some large retail businesses. 

“She has a great track record of leading significant transformation projects in complex, fast-moving businesses.”

Tenney will remain in post at Asda until the end of 2020 to ensure a smooth handover before Barsby takes up her role in the new year.

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