Andy Clarke tipped for top job at Asda, as Darren Blackhurst departs

Asda is poised to unveil Andy Clarke, the grocer’s chief operating officer, as its new chief executive next week.

Mr Clarke is thought to have been selected ahead of other internal candidates including Darren Blackhurst, the chief merchandising officer at the UK’s second biggest grocer.

The expected hiring of Mr Clarke follows the decision by Andy Bond last month to step down as chief executive and become part-time chairman.

Alongside the unveiling of its new chief executive next week, Walmart-owned Asda will also say that Darren Blackhurst is leaving the UK’s second-biggest grocer. Mr Blackhurst was thought to have been informing his team today about his departure.

Asda declined to comment.