Asda has appointed Morrisons executive group operations director David Lepley as its chief supply chain officer.

The appointment to the newly created role will see Lepley leading the supermarket’s food and general merchandise supply operations.

It also sees Lepley returning to Asda, after he previously spent over 11 years with the grocer, starting as a Christmas temp in the Grantham store and leaving as VP online grocery operations.

Subscribe to Grocery Gazette for free

Sign up here to get the latest grocery and food news each morning

Asda executive chairman Allan Leighton said: “Delivering the outstanding value and legendary service our customers demand begins with making sure they can get the products they want every time they shop with us.

“David has considerable experience in grocery logistics and supply chain, and I am delighted that he is coming home to Asda to lead this key area for the business.”

Lepley’s appointment forms part of the leadership changes unveiled by Asda last week, which saw Liz Evans, who currently leads the George clothing brand, taking up the position of chief commercial officer for non-food and retail, leading the retailer’s large store operations on a permanent basis.

Other changes will see Ade McKeon re-joining Asda as vice president for ambient, while M&S head of trade Gemma Lightbody will be re-joining as business unit director for impulse grocery and Aldi buying director for pantry Matt Shields will take on the role as business unit director for core grocery.