Asda names former Morrisons boss David Potts CEO as sales struggle

Asda has appointed David Potts, the 69-year-old former chief executive of Morrisons, as its new CEO with immediate effect. The move comes as the UK's third-largest supermarket chain continues to struggle with declining sales. Allan Leighton, 73, who has served as executive chair and effectively run the business since 2024, will step back to a non-executive role focused on long-term strategy. Potts brings decades of grocery retail experience, having led Morrisons through a turnaround, and his appointment signals Asda's intent to regain momentum in a fiercely competitive market. The leadership change underscores the urgency for Asda to reverse its sales slump and reclaim market share from rivals like Tesco and Sainsbury's. Investors and industry watchers will be closely monitoring Potts' first moves as he takes the helm at a critical juncture for the supermarket.