Tesco has appointed Chris Bush as its new UK managing director. Bush will take over the responsibilities of the retailer's UK arm following a period of nine months in which CEO Philip Clarke temporarily led both the group and the UK business.

Clarke says he is delighted Bush, who has over 30 years of experience at the retailer and was previously Tesco's UK chief operating officer, has taken up the position.

'While Chris’ position is a new one, he is undoubtedly a very talented retailer and leader,' said Clarke.

In a blog, Clarke said the move will free him up to focus more on the international side of the business, a rumour the FPJ reported last month.

Meanwhile, Tesco has also appointed Robin Terrell as its new multi-channel director. Terrell most recently held the position of executive director for multi-channel and international at the House of Fraser, and previously served as the MD of Amazon's UK business. Terrell will start in February and Clarke says he will ensure Tesco remains a 'multichannel leader in all of our markets.'

Also announcing several appointments to Tesco's executive committee, Clarke says he is now confident that the 'right team is in place' moving forward and achieving Tesco's £1 billion UK turnaround plan.

The appointments represent a positive period for the company, which just announced a 1.8 per cent increase in like-for-like sales over the Christmas period, a contrast to a time last year when Tesco issued its first profit warning for 20 years.

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