Allan Leighton

Allan started his career in Mars Confectionery as a Salesman in 1974. He worked his way up through the company before leaving in 1991. Allan then joined Pedigree Petfoods, where he was Sales Director until his appointment in 1992 to Asda Stores Ltd.

He began his career in Asda as Group Marketing Director and was appointed Chief Executive in 1996. There he was credited with a successful turn around of the business in the mid-late nineties and oversaw the aquisition of the business by Wal-Mart in 1999. In November 1999 Allan Leighton also became the President and CEO of Wal-Mart Europe.

In November 2000, Allan left Asda as he took on non-exec. positions in a string of high profile companies including Royal Mail, Co-Op, Dyson and lastminute.com, Allan also spent time in Canada, as President of Loblaw Companies Ltd (Canada’s largest Food retailer).

Allan rejoined Asda as Executive Chairman in November 2024.