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New Woman at helm scores a first for Asda Ballyclare

Wednesday, 3 February 2010

STAFF at Asda supermarket in Ballyclare have a new leader at the helm, marking a first for Asda in Northern Ireland as the new General Store Manager is a woman!
Gillian Cuddy, originally from Cookstown, has taken over the reins from George Rankin, who has moved to the same role at Asda Westwood, and Gillian is delighted to have the opportunity to take forward the excellent work carried out by George over the past few years, particularly since the new store opened in Ballyclare in March 2008.
Renowned as a challenging yet very rewarding position, the role of General Store Manager has traditionally been dominated by males with almost 91% of Asda's current 380 General Store Manager's UK-wide being male.
“I'm delighted to have been offered this fantastic opportunity", said Gillian who took up her new position in January.
“It would be easy to be slightly daunted, but the retail sector as a whole is changing and more women than ever are seeking to move up the ladder and take over the most senior management roles. It is a great honour to be Asda's first female General Store Manager in Northern Ireland, and after many years of working in the sector, I'm happy to be back on home soil. With Asda's great training behind me, I'm more than ready to help the Ballyclare store continue to deliver its great ranges, value and services to all our loyal customers."
A graduate in International Management with French & German, Gillian's first step up the career ladder was to join the graduate management programme at clothing company, Evans. She then progressed into food retailing where she was attracted by the fast pace of discount store, Lidl. Gaining widespread experience at store level she was soon promoted to the position of regional manager for South Wales, with responsibility for 30 mini supermarkets.
Now back on home turf Gillian is embracing the warm welcome she's receiving from colleagues and customers at Asda Ballyclare. She's spent several months getting fully up to speed with the company and has completed its in-house 'store of learning' training programme.
“I always knew I'd return home, and the opportunity to do so and also be responsible for such a great store as Asda Ballyclare was something I couldn't refuse," said Gillian.
“I really appreciate Asda's customer-focused approach and I'm looking forward to working with my team and being part of this vibrant local community."

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