Allan Lieghton started his career in Mars Confectionery as a Salesman in 1974. He worked his way up through the company before leaving in 1991.
He 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 September 1996.
Asda is widely regarded as a text-book example of how a company can turn itself round. It has become both a leading player in its market and is regularly cited as one of the best companies in the country to work for. In November 1999 when the American company Wal-Mart bought Asda Allan became the President and CEO of Wal-Mart Europe.
In November 2000 Allan Leighton left Asda and developed a new work ethic – ‘Going Plural’. He has developed a portfolio of interests, and is currently Chairman of Bhs Ltd, Consignia plc, and Wilson Connolly Ltd.
He is Non Executive Chairman of Cannons Group Ltd and lastminute.com, Non Executive Director of Dyson Appliances Ltd, BskyB, and George Weston Ltd, and Deputy Chairman of Leeds Sporting plc. As a
keynote business speaker he shares his remarkable experiences with corporations, speaking on subject such as leadership, customer service and change.