Wal-Mart veteran in key Asda post

Asda has hired a Wal-Mart veteran into the strategically important role of chief merchandising officer, strengthening its top team at a crucial time for the country's second-biggest grocer.

Charles Redfield, currently the senior vice-president for food and beverage at Wal-Mart's US warehouse business, Sam's Club, will join Asda next month.

It is the first high-profile appointment made by Andy Clarke, who became chief executive of Wal-Mart-owned Asda in May. The role of chief merchandising officer is a similar remit to that of a trading director.

Mr Redfield, who began his career at Sam's Club more than 20 years ago, will fill the vacancy left by Darren Blackhurst, who left Asda after he lost out to Mr Clarke in the race to be chief executive.