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. 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. In November 1999 when the American company Wal-Mart bought Asda Allan became the President and CEO of Wal-Mart Europe.  

In November 2000 he left Asda and developed a new work ethic – ‘Going Plural’ – as he took on non-executive positions in a string of companies including lastminute.com, Leeds United, Dyson Ltd, Cannons Group Ltd, Bhs Ltd, BSkyB Group plc and Selfridges & Co.  

Allan joined the Royal Mail as company Chairman in 2002, whilst in post he drove a period of modernisation that has transformed Royal Mail from loss making into a profitable business. Allan stepped down from his role in March 2009 making him the Royal Mail’s longest serving Chairman.  

Allan has been the President of Loblaw Companies ltd since April 2008 and has acted as a Consultant to George Weston Ltd (Holding company of Loblaw) since 2000. Loblaw is the largest food retailer in Canada, with over 1400 supermarkets and sales of more than C$30billion. In February this year, Allan announced that he will be stepping aside as President and deputy chairman of Loblaw but will continue his role as business advisor to George Weston ltd.  

Allan has recently announced a series of new Chairmanships and NED roles including; Chairman of Pandora A/S, Chairman of Peacocks, Chairman of Pace, Chairman of MusicMagpie.co.uk and continues in his role as deputy chairman of Selfridges & Co and non-executive Director of BSkyB Group plc.  

In June 2007 Allan's book "On Leadership: Practical Wisdom from the People Who Know" was published by Random House.  

At publication, it was the best selling business book in the UK. World Business called it "a profoundly hopeful read – informed by the almost palpable joy Leighton feels in inspiring and leading others". Chris Blackhurst Business Editor of the Evening Standard said it was “The best management book I’ve read in a long while”.  

Allan is a Patron of Breast Cancer Care and all proceeds from Allan’s book go to this charity as part of his pledge to raise £1million for this fantastic cause.