Major international retail group Tesco has promoted Johnathan Sutton to the new role of technical hub manager – Asia & Oceania.
Mr Sutton has worked in a number of technical roles since joining Tesco in 1998, and he has established a strong profile in Asia’s fresh produce business since moving to the group’s Thai operations in 2007. While initially charged with improving technical quality standards for Tesco’s suppliers in Thailand and Malaysia, his role was soon expanded to cover the broader region under the title of produce group sourcing manager – Asia & Oceania.
Now, Mr Sutton will join Tesco’s international sourcing team in Shanghai to help develop the company’s strategy on food procurement in Asia.
“My `new` role is to manage the current technical team in Asia and develop suppliers and standards to meet our consumers’ demands in all Tesco markets as well as to grow sourcing opportunities from this region,” Mr Sutton told Fruitnet.com.
His move to Shanghai’s international sourcing office reflects a broader expansion of Tesco’s group sourcing for food products with a specific focus on Asia. Mr Sutton began the role today (5 July) and will relocate permanently to Shanghai in September where he will work alongside Jean Paul Khao to forge strategic goals.
“I am looking forward to working with the established team in Shanghai and I hope to bring my experience and knowledge to them to drive the standards even further and to make sure we’re applying them equally across all countries,” he said.
