Asda managing director of commercial business Kristian Horabin is to leave the supermarket giant.

Horabin joined Asda in June 2022 as vice president of commercial food, before being promoted to his current role in October 2023, where he led the retailer’s food service divisions, including Leon, healthcare, non-edible grocery, drinks, fuel and kiosk.

He previously spent more than 13 years at discount grocer Aldi in various roles, including group buying director.

Horabin’s exit was announced this week by chief commercial officer for food Kris Comerford in an email to suppliers, The Grocer reported.

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Comerford said in the email: “I wanted to share with you that after two years with the business, Kristian Horabin has decided to leave us to take up an opportunity outside of Asda and the retail sector.

“Kristian will be working his notice period, so will still be with us until March next year continuing to lead our fuel, non-edible, drinks, healthcare, food services and Leon business and supporting in preparing a handover.”

It comes after Mohsin Issa officially stepped back from his executive leadership role at Asda last week to focus on his role as sole CEO of EG Group.

Asda chairman Stuart Rose is to assume Issa’s executive responsibilities alongside TDR Capital partner and director of the supermarket’s board, Rob Hattrell.

Over the past few months, Asda has also unveiled a swathe of senior appointments including former Morrisons chief information officer Matt Kelleher as its first ever chief digital officer, former Iceland group chief customer, marketing and digital officer David Devany as its new vice president for ecommerce, and Lidl chief operating officer Matt Heslop to lead its stores and depots operation, including the 470 convenience stores in its newly-established Asda Express division.