Leon managing director Glenn Edwards is stepping down from his role.
Edwards, who has been with Leon for some 12 years in a variety of positions, is due to start a new role in mid-November.
He is leaving the sector to take on a COO role within the beauty sector, joining premium nail salon concept Townhouse to support its growth ambitions.
It is understood he resigned some time ago, but has been supporting the ownership transition, as Leon owner EG Group UK is transferred to related company Asda.
Following his departure, Ashley Davis has been appointed as interim managing director of the company.
With Leon since 2019, Davis helped to launch the Grocery business, which now has a successful range across frozen, chilled and ambient at Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Ocado and Booths.
Prior to Leon, she worked in the buying teams at both Sainsbury’s and Ocado for over a decade, as well as on the supplier side in produce companies. She then went on to run her own business with several cafes in South London, alongside a catering company for wedding and corporate events.
She said: “I love the Leon brand and I am looking forward to working with the wider team to continue growing the business. Leon is a fantastic, unique foodie proposition in a busy market that I know very well. I’m excited to lead the business to deliver our company mission, to both loyal and new customers, of making food that tastes good, does you good and is kind to the planet. On behalf of everyone at Leon, I would like to sincerely thank Glenn for his significant contribution and we wish him all the best for the future.”
Edwards served as Leon MD for two-and-a-half years, and was director of growth & culture for six months.
Before that he spent three-and-a-half years in American as President USA.
He was an operations director for six-and-a-half years, and spent 11 years at itsu as head of operations.
His departure comes as ultimate Leon owners the Issa brothers transfer EG Group UK to Asda in a £2bn transaction.
The deal paves the way for Leon to open in Asda supermarkets, and accelerates the TDR Capital-backed group’s move into the foodservice market.
Alongside ownership of Leon, it will includes the transfer of 462 Greggs, Burger King and Subway outlets under franchise agreements.
The combination of businesses bring together convenience, fuel, GM, grocery, foodservice and omnichannel retailing under one group, with combined revenues of nearly £28bn.
