Asda has recruited ex-Morrisons chief technology director Anna Barsby as its new chief digital and technology officer.

Before Morrisons, Barsby was chief information officer at Halfords, and has also held the executive board role of interim transformation director at Fortnum & Mason.

"I bring grocery and retail experience, but I am a people and change leader who loves the value technology can drive in business,” said Barsby. “This is such an exciting time for Asda and I am really looking forward to working with the team."

Asda was recently acquired from parent Walmart by the Issa brothers and TDR for £6.8 billion, in a deal set to be completed during the first half of 2021. Asda said Barsby was hired for her change management expertise.

Following the acquisition, Asda said it will invest to “accelerate” its omnichannel offer and the resilience of its supply chain. It will remain headquartered in Leeds and the new owners have promised to invest more than £1 billion in the next three years to strengthen the business.

As chief technology director at Morrisons, Barsby led a major change in the role technology played at the supermarket chain. She joined Morrisons from outdoor and automotive retailer Halfords, where she was CIO for three and a half years.

Barsby is also one of the founders and a managing partner at Tessiant, a management consulting firm made up of an invite-only network of expert associates that complete strategy, transformation and organisational change programmes for clients.

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