Career
Cheesewright succeeded Doug McMillon on December 10, 2013 and assumed the role on February 1, 2014. ’s International division generates nearly 30% of the company’s revenue, serving more than 109 million customers every week in more than 6,200 retail units under 69 banners in 26 countries outside the United States.
He has more than 25 years of manufacturing and international retail experience. Foreign 12 years prior to joining, he held a range of key positions with Mars Confectionery in the United Kingdom, in sales, marketing, supply chain and manufacturing.
Asda
Cheesewright joined in 1999 and held senior leadership positions with Asda Stores, Limited. in the United Kingdom.
From 1999 to 2008, Cheesewright held various leadership positions in operations, merchandising, logistics, strategy and format development at Asda, a United Kingdom supermarket acquired by in 1999 with over 175,000 associates and 573 locations. Canada
In 2008, he was promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Canada and held that role until 2011.
He drove the company’s eCommerce business while introducing ’s supercenter format to the Canadian market. Previously, he served as chief operating officer of Canada from 2004-2005.
Europe, the Middle East and Africa
From 2011 to 2013, Cheesewright held the role of President and Chief Executive Officer for ’s Europe, Middle East and Africa (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) and Canada region.
During his tenure, Cheesewright oversaw the integration of acquisitions on three continents. Cheesewright was responsible for the integration of sub-Saharan Africa retailer Massmart Holdings Limited., the integration of stores purchased from Zellers in Canada and continued the rollout of the supercenter format in Canada. He also oversaw Asda’s integration of Netto stores in the United Kingdom and helped drive the development of Asda’s online grocery service.
1999 – Various leadership positions at Asda in the United Kingdom.
Chief Operation Officer
2004-2005 – chief operating officer of Canada
2005-2008 – chief operating officer of Asda
2008-2011 – Chief Executive Officer of Canada
2011-2013 – Chief Executive Officer of ’s Europe, the Middle East and Africa and Canada region
2013 – President and Chief Executive Officer of International
Previously he was Chairman of the Board of Gazeley Holdings and of Canada Bank. Cheesewright holds a first-class honours degree in Sports Science and Mathematics from Loughborough University, United Kingdom.