UK supermarket chain Asda has appointed its first chief digital officer, a move that underscores the company's commitment to enhancing its digital capabilities.  

Matt Kelleher, currently serving as chief information officer at rival retailer Morrisons, will assume the role at Asda in July 2024.  

He will be responsible for Asda’s data and e-commerce functions and all technology functions upon the completion of the company's technology transformation project, known as Future. 

The Future programme will help the company build a new retail technology landscape, following its divestiture from Walmart. 

Kelleher will become part of the supermarket chain’s executive leadership team, which is headed by co-owner Mohsin Issa.  

Asda has also appointed Atheeq Akbar, currently serving as commercial finance director at Morrisons, as vice-president of commercial finance.

He will assume the role at Asda in June 2024 and report to Michael Gleeson.  

These strategic appointments are indicative of Asda's focus on digital innovation and its ambition to secure the position of the UK's second-largest grocery retailer.  

Mohsin Issa stated: "This is an incredibly exciting time to be part of Asda as our business grows and develops for the benefit of our customers.  

“Our use of data and technology transformation is a critical element of our ongoing transformation, and I am delighted that we continue to attract new talent and skills as we progress this important work. I look forward to welcoming Matt and Atheeq to the Asda family." 

In September 2023, the retailer revealed plans to launch a new operating model for its commercial function as part of an ongoing transformation programme.