Asda has strengthened its supply chain leadership team with the appointment of a new vice president of food and GM supply.

Gavin Chappell will now be responsible for Asda’s food & general merchandising supply teams and will look to apply his experience in operations and supply chain roles.

When he starts the role in April, the move will mark a return to Asda for Chappell. He previously spent six years with the supermarket chain across numerous roles including vice president, e-commerce and supply chain.

Chappell is set to report directly to David Lepley, who similarly recently returned to the Asda business to take up the newly created role of chief supply chain officer.

Subscribe to Grocery Gazette for free

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

Prior to his return to Asda, Chappell most recently was the chief operations officer at furniture giant Bensons For Beds.

Asda chief supply chain officer David Lepley said: “We know that the key to delivering legendary service and great value is ensuring customers can get the products they want each and every time they shop at Asda.

“Gavin’s knowledge of the business and considerable experience in logistics and supply chain functions will ensure we can continue meeting the needs of hardworking families.”

Chappell’s appointment follows in the wake of Asda recently strengthening its leadership team with a raft of senior shake-ups.

In January, Liz Evans took up the position of chief commercial officer for non-food and retail, while Ade McKeon re-joined the grocer as vice president for ambient, with beer, wines and spirits, core grocery, impulse grocery, non-edible and healthcare teams reporting to him.

The leadership changes come after Asda’s new chair, and former boss, Allan Leighton vowed to turnaround the struggling supermarket, in a move that he claimed could take between three to five years.