Rob Barnes departs Marks and Spencer for Technology Delivery Director role at grocery retailer Asda
Rob Barnes has left Marks and Spencer, where he served as Chief Technology Officer - Delivery, to take on the role of Technology Delivery Director at Asda.
Barnes joined M&S in 2019, following almost 16 years at Accenture.
In a LinkedIn post, he said: “After great four years, it's finally time to hand back my M&S pass and move on to the next challenge. It's been an amazing experience working with so many great colleagues and I'll look back fondly on some of the things we achieved.”
He added: “Some of the highlights I've learned so much from include launching M&S on Ocado; the transformation of the end-to-end food supply chain; delivering a renewed tech landscape and experience in our stores; navigating the challenges of Brexit (whilst learning export rules for a chicken curry!); and helping make M&S #1 in the GCA's GSCOP rankings.”
“Four years has absolutely flown by, but I'm really looking forward to my next challenge! Thanks to the fantastic colleagues and partners alike and good luck in the next chapter of M&S' transformation.”
Chief Digital Officer
Asda recently confirmed the appointment of its first Chief Digital Officer as it focuses on evolving how it uses data to improve its customer offer, part of an ambition to be the UK’s second largest grocery retailer (a position currently held by Sainsbury’s).
Matt Kelleher will join the supermarket in July from rival Morrisons, where he has held the role of Chief Information Officer.
In his new role, he will take on responsibility for Asda’s data and e-commerce functions. He will also lead all of the retailer’s technology functions once its ongoing tech transformation project ‘Future’ is complete.
He will join Asda’s executive leadership team led by co-owner Mohsin Issa.
Asda also announced the appointment of Atheeq Akbar as VP, Commercial Finance. He will join in June, reporting to Michael Gleeson.
Issa says: “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.”
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