Asda brings back Darren Blackhurst as chief commercial officer for food

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

Blackhurst, who previously held the same role at the supermarket between 2006 and 2010, will take up the position at the end of July, succeeding Kris Comerford, who has decided to step down after three years at 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.

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

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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 the wider leadership changes, the Asda Express and Food Services team under Chris Walker will now report into David Lepley, with Jo Whitfield continuing to chair that business. The fuel team will report into Blackhurst once he takes up the role.

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