Former Asda CEO returns as executive chair
Asda confirmed the return of former boss Allan Leighton last month.
Leighton has re-joined the supermarket chain as executive chair, having served as CEO between 1996 and 2001.
Current chair Lord Rose, who was been in the role since 2021, will remain on the Asda board for an undisclosed period in order to assist with the transition before stepping down.
“[Lord Rose] has done an important job in helping to create a retailer with a presence in every format and I am delighted to be returning to the business which has always been a special place for me,” Leighton said.
“The potential for Asda now is significant, and my focus will be to work with the leadership team to help make Asda special for our colleagues and millions of customers.”
Food waste distributor appoints new trustees
The Bread and Butter Thing boosted its trustee board during November with the addition of three new members.
The food waste distribution charity announced that are ESG Drysdale chair and former managing director of Branston James Truscott, Diageo commercial director Simone Gondwe and La Doria deputy chair Barry Fine had all been named to its board.
Will Bentley remains as chair, alongside treasurer Philip Kaye, Graeme Douglas, Greg Sage and Inga Thordar.
Founder of The Bread and Butter Thing Mark Game commented: “Their deep expertise within the food sector and their enthusiasm and commitment to our work can only benefit The Bread and Butter Thing.”
The charity has 100,000 members and supports 134 communities, up from 34 in 2021.
BrewDog hires chief retail officer
Last month, BrewDog appointed Lisa Buckley as its new chief retail officer.
Buckley will join the firm in the new year, operating in a global role overseeing BrewDog’s retail offering.
Currently, Buckley is serving as the CEO of Leisure TV Rights, an immersive activity venues company behind TV shows such as Ninja Warriors and the Chase.
Prior to that, she acted as the managing director for Côte Brasserie and UK operations director at Wagamama.
“I have always considered it as an exciting brand that has grown exponentially and really looking forward to being part of the next chapter,” Buckley commented.
KatKin boosts nutrition team with four science hires
Cat food manufacturer KatKin hired four new members to its existing nutrition team during November.
The appointments included R&D director Ryan Honaker, senior scientist Jirayu (Boo Boo) Tanprasertsuk, scientist Devon Tate and technical product manager LeeAnn Perry.
All four joined KatKin from US pet food brand Nom Nom and have been named to help boost its accumulated scientific knowledge.
Brett O’Farrell, co-chief executive of KatKin, said: “We’re excited to welcome Ryan and the team into KatKin, as we all share the passion to make cat nutrition research and resources more readily available to both consumers and vets.
“We’re on a mission to improve cats’ lives with the best fresh nutrition, and to make this convenient and accessible to all cat owners.”
RSPCA appoints interim CEO
Animal welfare charity the RSPCA named Shān Nicholas as its interim chief executive on 25 November.
Possessing extensive experience in the charity and non-profit sector, Nicholas has served in senior positions at Child Poverty Action Group, Drinkaware, The Children Society and the Refugee Council.
Nicholas took up the role on 2 December and will work alongside current boss Chris Sherwood during a brief transition period ahead of his departure in January.
Recruitment of a permanent CEO is ongoing, with the shortlisting process taking place now and interviews scheduled for the new year.
“I’m looking forward to working with the board and with our expert and passionate people as we enter 2025 with a refreshed strategy and even bigger ambitions and goals to inspire everyone to create a better world for every animal,” said Nicholas.
