Asda has announced the appointment of Darren Blackhurst as its new chief commercial officer, food, marking his return to the business after more than a decade.

Blackhurst previously held the same role at the supermarket from 2006 until 2010. He will take up the position at the end of July, succeeding Kris Comerford, who has stepped down after three years with the retailer.

A seasoned retail executive, Blackhurst brings extensive experience to the role, having held senior board level positions at Matalan, Morrisons and, most recently, as managing director of Coles Liquor in Australia from 2020 to 2023.

The appointment comes a year after Blackhurst briefly rejoined Morrisons as interim chief customer and marketing officer in February 2024. The role was expected to become permanent but ended after three months as part of a wider leadership reshuffle under CEO Rami Baitiéh.

Prior to his time in Australia, Blackhurst also served as group director, strategic priorities and group commercial director at Morrisons. He has also held board level roles at B&Q.

Asda executive chairman Allan Leighton said: “Kris has been at Asda for three years and has been a key member of the executive team throughout that period. Kris’s style, approach and persona are unique – as well as being a great colleague, he is also an amazing human being. We wish him and his family well for the future and thank him for all he has done for the company.”

Ian McEvans will lead the commercial team on an interim basis until Blackhurst joins on 28 July.

As part of wider leadership changes, the Asda Express and Food Services team under Chris Walker will now report into David Lepley, with Jo Whitfield continuing as chair. The fuel team will report into Blackhurst once he assumes the role.

Earlier this month, Morrisons announced it had appointed Emma Pacey as its new trading director for general merchandise. She joins from Asda, where she spent over 18 years in senior roles including senior director, e-commerce transformation and online trading director.

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