Tesco UK will be led by former Aldi boss Matthew Barnes when current CEO Jason Tarry departs in March.
Tesco veteran Tarry announced he was leaving Britain’s biggest supermarket with a heavy heart.
“Little could I have imagined 33 years ago, the journey I would go on with Tesco,” he said, adding: My life in Tesco has been a wonderful experience. This decision was not made easily but this is the right time for me to move on. I will continue to give my all to being UK CEO until March, and my determination that we give our customers the best Christmas is heightened knowing that this will be my last as a Tesco colleague.”
For many years, Tesco has been pursuing the success of German discount rivals Aldi and Lidl. With Matthew Barnes at the helm, they have every chance of advancing those efforts.
Barnes is a highly accomplished retailer having worked in many senior positions in Aldi. He was previously UK & Ireland CEO before being promoted to co-head of Aldi Sud’s Executive Board, where he had responsibility for many of Aldi’s international businesses and its Global Sourcing, Buying & Supply Chain.
Tesco Group CEO Ken Murphy said of the appointment: “I believe the combination of Matthew’s extensive retail experience, competitive spirit and challenger mindset will help us continue to win in the UK market and evolve our thinking about what customers will want from Tesco in the future.”
Barnes said: “I have always had the highest respect for Tesco, and I’m really excited to be joining the team. It is an honour to be appointed as UK CEO. I come to this role with a real sense of determination to ensure that we build on the progress of the last number of years and deliver for our customers and colleagues.”
