Asda confirms Clarke as chief executive

A former Asda store manager took over the top job at the supermarket yesterday.

Andy Clarke was named the company's chief executive, succeeding his former school colleague Andy Bond.

Mr Clarke has been chief operating officer since 2007. Mr Bond, now chairman of Asda's executive board – a new role – was at the helm for five years.

Mr Clarke, 46, attended King's School in Grantham, Lincolnshire, at the same time as Mr Bond. He joined Asda in 1992 as a store manager, leaving in 2001 to take roles at Iceland and Matalan before returning in 2005.

The US supermarket giant Walmart, which owns Asda, said Mr Clarke's leadership potential was identified long ago. The new chief executive is married with three children.