Edwards, who has been with Leon for some 12 years in a variety of positions, is due to start a new role in mid-November. He is leaving the sector to take on a COO role within the beauty sector, joining a concept called Townhouse to support its growth ambitions.
It is understood he resigned some time ago, but has been supporting the transition as Leon owner EG Group UK is transferred to related company Asda.
Edwards served as Leon MD for two-and-a-half years, and was director of growth & culture for six months.
Before that he spent three-and-a-half years in American as President USA.
He was an operations director for six-and-a-half years, and spent 11 years at itsu as head of operations.
His departure comes as ultimate Leon owners the Issa brothers transfer EG Group UK to Asda in a £2bn transaction.
The deal paves the way for Leon to open in Asda supermarkets, and accelerates the TDR Capital-backed group’s move into the £62bn foodservice market.
Alongside ownership of Leon, it will includes the transfer of 462 Greggs, Burger King and Subway outlets under franchise agreements.
The combination of businesses bring together convenience, fuel, GM, grocery, foodservice and omnichannel retailing under one group, with combined revenues of nearly £28bn.
