Asda’s two key tech executives have departed the business, as the supermarket giant prepares to wrap up its £1bn IT overhaul.

The grocery giant confirmed chief information officer (CIO) Carl Dawson and VP of digital and technology Rob Barnes are to exit, as its ‘Project Future’ initiative draws to a close.

Dawson first joined the retailer in 2021 from M&S, where he served a seven-year stint as CIO. Previously, he held the role of chief information officer at Thomas Cook, Shop Direct and Tesco.

Barnes similarly joined Asda in 2024 from M&S, where he was chief technology officer of delivery and previously, food and retail.

The departure of the two executives comes amid the conclusion of the supermarket’s billion-pound IT separation from its former owner, Walmart.

Speaking to The Grocer, an Asda spokesman said: “As Project Future nears completion and becomes part of Asda’s everyday tech operating model, we are aligning our digital leadership team accordingly.”

Subscribe to Grocery Gazette for free

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

Taking to the social media platform LinkedIn, Barnes said he had “taken the decision to leave Asda to pursue a great new opportunity later this year.”

Barnes added: “It’s been an incredible 15 months, where we’ve landed so much technology change as a business across our stores; online; supply chain: and home office.”

It is understood Asda’s tech will now be led by current director of technology Marcus Shaw, who will act as its  its chief information officer, and its chief technology officer Adrian Berry.

The department is set to receive a further shakeup in May with Iceland group chief marketing, customer and digital officer David Devany, who is set to become Asda’s VP of ecommerce and digital business.

Meanwhile, interim VP online Barney Burgess will step into the role of VP food online and chief analytics officer after Devany’s arrival.

Earlier this week, the supermarket chain poached Tesco executive James Goodman as its new chief people officer.