Asda Starts Search For New COO

Discount retailer Asda began its search for a chief operating officer as part of its efforts to strengthen its board of directors and find a potential successor for CEO Andy Clarke. The search followed retail director Mark Ibbotson's transfer to US parent company Wal-Mart to become senior VP for innovation. Asda, which has not had a COO since Judith McKenna's move to Wal-Mart two years ago, is looking for an executive with operational experience.