Asda FD could be in line for CEO's job

Judith McKenna

Speculation has emerged that Judith McKenna, FD at supermarket chain Asda could be in line for the chief executive's job after the surprise resignation of Andy Bond.

Other contenders include Asda's chief operating officer Andy Clarke and the company's trading director Darren Blackhurst. The Financial Times also speculates that David Cheesewright, who runs Walmart in Canada, is also a contender.

Mckenna's role at Asda has not just been about the accounts. After joining in 1996 and its board in 2001 she has also been in charge of property and store development and design.

She trained and qualified with KPMG before moving into the brewring industry.

In comments for graduate recruits on the Asda website she says: "My advice is to have faith in your own ability and be prepared to challenge the status quo."

In 2007 she was interviewed by Accountancy Age. She said: "The aim is not how big we are, the aim is how good we are so that is what we absolutely focus on."

McKenna has also be responsible for integrating financials systems with Walmart when the US giant took over the UK chain.

Retail Week quotes one constultant saying: "Judith is very clever, straight and well thought of at Walmart.”

There was speculation as early as last year that McKenna might be next in line for the top job.

Read more:

Mckenna's Accountancy Age interview

FDs set for shake up after M&S move