Asda has halted its search for a new chief executive, according to sources reported by The Times.

The news comes after former chief executive Robert Burnley stepped down in August last year.

The newspaper’s sources said that the job was described by insiders as “the job no one wants”.

Previous contenders for the chief executive job have reportedly included Tesco’s UK and Ireland boss Jason Tarry, Marks & Spencer food chief Stuart Machin, Trevor Strain, chief operating officer at Morrisons, and Peter Pritchard, group chief executive at Pets at Home.

All the above declined the role according to the newspaper’s sources.

In addition, the sources said that there was now considered to be enough grocery expertise at the Big Four supermarket to take the pressure of being without a chief executive.

The news comes after the Big Four supermarket was acquired in a £6.8 billion deal last year by a private equity group led by billionaire brothers Mohsin and Zuber Issa.

In December, Asda partnered with Just Eat to enter the rapid delivery space.

The delivery app’s customers will be able to add a selection of over 1,000 products to their baskets from five Asda stores.

Retail Systems has contacted Asda for comment.

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