Wal-Mart expert Asda’s head of marketing

Mr Smith, 41, joined Wal-Mart in July 2011 and is currently chief marketing officer in China.

Prior to his current role, he spent 10 years working in marketing and merchandising roles in grocery retail with Delhaize Group in North America and Belgium.

He has also held marketing and advertising roles at AT&T, outdoor-sports media agency Resort Sports Network and J. Walter Thompson.

Mr Smith will join Leeds-based Asda’s executive committee in May.

Asda’s president and chief executive Andy Clarke said: “I was delighted that Steve joined Wal-Mart last year and will now bring his retail marketing pedigree to the UK.

“I’ve been an admirer of Steve’s work at overseas Delhaize retail brands such as Sweetbay, Hannaford and Delhaize Le Lion, for many years and I’m certain he’ll be a valuable addition to the Asda executive team.”

Mr Smith’s predecessor, Rick Bendel, will be taking on a broader project-based role for Wal- Mart.

The company said this is a natural next step as Mr Bendel has spent three years as international chief marketing officer for Wal-Mart, helping to build Wal-Mart’s global marketing efforts alongside his leadership of the Asda marketing role.

Mr Clarke said in a note to staff: “Because this is a time of strength for Asda, it now seems the perfect time for Rick to do more to help shape Wal-Mart’s worldwide marketing efforts and embark on the next exciting phase of his career.

“Few people in the history of our business have loved and understood Asda as well as Rick. His empathy for customers is equalled only by his advocacy for colleagues, and his ability to bring that alive through story-telling will be legendary for generations to come.”

Asda said Mr Bendel will ensure a seamless handover to Mr Smith as he transfers from China.

Mr Smith joined Wal-Mart International in July 2011 as the chief marketing officer for Wal-Mart China and senior vice president responsible for Sam’s Club and new formats.

Prior to joining Wal-Mart International, he spent nine years with Belgian-based supermarket retailer, Delhaize Group.

He managed merchandising, marketing, strategy and communications through his career there for four retail banners within the Delhaize Group.