Supermarket chain Asda has announced new additions to its senior leadership team to boost its growth ambitions in the upcoming year.

The retailer has appointed Andy Newton as the new vice president of property, where he will oversee real estate, acquisitions and store developments.

Newton brings years of experience to the role, having worked in positions at Safeway, Morrisons and recently Poundstretcher.

After the appointment, Jim Townsend will continue to serve as vice president, procurement, managing goods not for resale strategy, policy and buying.

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Geri Hebberd will take on the role as senior director of strategy, and they will all report to Asda’s chief financial officer, Michael Gleeson.

Additionally, Max Hilliard has been named the managing director of Forza & Kober Foods, part of Asda’s sourcing division, effective immediately. This marks a return to the business for Max Hillard, who founded the company in 2007.

The news comes on the heels of the announcement of the VP of marketing leaving his role in the company.

Asda is actively searching for a replacement for his role and has appointed Pippa Prain as the new SD marketing planning, propositions & operations role on an interim basis.