Sir Arthur Noel Stockdale, Kt, DFM (25 December 1920 – 2 February 2004) was an English businessman best known as a co‑founder of the British supermarket chain Asda.
Early life and education
Stockdale was born at The Mill in Pateley Bridge, Yorkshire, the son of Arthur Stockdale, a farmer who established Hindells Dairy Farmers, and Florence Alberta (née Wilson). He attended Woodhouse Grove School in Apperley Bridge near Bradford and subsequently began a dairying diploma at the University of Reading.
Military service
His university studies were interrupted by the Second World War. In 1940 Stockdale volunteered for the Royal Air Force, serving as a pilot and flying instructor. He attained the rank of squadron leader and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal.
Business career
After demobilisation, Stockdale returned to his family’s dairy enterprise, which had become Associated Dairies. He joined the board of Associated Dairies in 1950. In 1964, together with brothers Peter and Fred Asquith, he founded Asda Stores Ltd. He became chairman of Asda in 1969, overseeing its expansion using capital from Associated Dairies. Stockdale retired from Asda in 1986, at which time he was knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, appointed Life President of Asda, and received an honorary degree from the University of Leeds.
Personal life
In 1944 Stockdale married Betty Monica Shaw. The couple had two sons, Michael and Christopher, and lived mainly in Wetherby, Yorkshire. He served as chairman of Leeds Rugby League Football Club and pursued interests in salmon fishing and gardening.
Death and legacy
Sir Noel Stockdale died on 2 February 2004 in Harrogate District Hospital. He bequeathed a considerable sum to his family. In October 2004, Asda commemorated Stockdale and the Asquith brothers with a plaque recognising their role in the development of modern grocery retailing in Britain.
References
- Wikipedia contributors, “Noel Stockdale,” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, accessed April 2026.
- The Times, “Sir Noel Stockdale,” 12 February 2004.
- The Telegraph, “Sir Noel Stockdale,” obituary, 2004.