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It ASDA be David!

IN JUST twelve short years, a Stranraer man has risen from being a fresh-faced graduate to become an executive director of a major UK retail chain.

High-flyer David Downie (36), was celebrating last week as news came through of his latest promotion at high-street favourites ASDA.

And, as he spoke to the "Free Press"this week, David cited the work-ethic instilled by his father as the inspiration behind his rise to the top.

Originally from Stranraer, David is a former pupil of Leswalt Primary School and Stranraer Academy.

He left the town to go to university and, after graduating in 1988, returned to the area to run the family farm for two years.

He then joined ASDA and so began his meteoric rise onto the company's executive board

Promoted to Operations Director last week, David previously held the position of Retail Managing Director for the company's Northern Division.

He now lives at Bardsey in Yorkshire with wife Louise and children Kate and Harry.

But his mother Louise Downie, grandparents Margaret and John McFadzean and brother John Downie all still live in this area.

Nowadays, David and family like nothing better than to get back to visit the rest of the clan in Stranraer.

He said

"Louise and I try to get back as regularly as possible. Our children Kate and Harry really enjoy visiting with granny, grandparents and the rest of the family.

"And the golf courses and beautiful coastline make it a great place for holidays too!"

He added

"I am delighted to be appointed to ASDA's executive board and look forward to the challenge of running our retail team.

"I was fortunate to have a great mentor in my father. His basic work ethic and attitude to life has been a role model for me throughout my life."

Formed back in 1965 by a group of farmers from Yorkshire, ASDA now has some 245 stores across the UK. The company became part of US retail giant Wal-Mart in 1999.