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Tesco has announced the appointment of Matthew Barnes as its new UK CEO effective from March 2024, following news that current CEO Jason Tarry will be stepping down after 33 years at the retailer.
Barnes is a highly accomplished retailer, having worked in many senior positions in Aldi.
He was also previously UK&I 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 and supply chain.
During his tenure at the supermarket chain, Tarry’s leadership has guided Tesco through its turnaround and more recently the pandemic, through which he rebuilt Tesco’s “competitiveness” in the UK.
According to Tesco’s leadership team, Tarry also put customers “back at the heart of the business”.
Ken Murphy, group CEO of Tesco, said: “Jason has made an immense contribution to our business. Under his leadership, Tesco today is the most competitive we have ever been, built on exceptionally strong foundations of doing the right thing for our customers and colleagues.
“I am incredibly grateful to Jason for his leadership of the UK business and his critical role on the executive committee. We have five months until Jason leaves us, and I know he will do his utmost to ensure our UK business continues its very strong performance until then, including delivering a winning Christmas.”
Tarry said: “Little could I have imagined 33 years ago, the journey I would go on with Tesco. 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.”
Barnes added: “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.”
