Former Aldi UK CEO Matthew Barnes will replace Tarry in March
Tesco’s UK chief executive Jason Tarry is stepping down after 33 years with the business, the supermarket has confirmed.
Tarry is set to leave Tesco in March 2024 after six years as CEO, with Matthew Barnes appointed to replace him.
Tesco group CEO Ken Murphy paid tribute to Tarry’s work in guiding the retailer through its turnaround, and more recently the pandemic, rebuilding its competitiveness in the UK and “putting customers back at the heart of the business”.
“Jason has made an immense contribution to our business,” he said. ”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.
”His values and commitment to creating a high-performing, supportive and diverse culture have been key to creating the Tesco we know today.
”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 added: “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 am grateful to my amazing colleagues and the lifelong friends I have made here. 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 set for the helm
Barnes will join Tesco on 1 March 2024. He previously worked as UK & Ireland CEO at Aldi, 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.
Murphy said: “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. We look forward to welcoming Matthew to Tesco early next year, and I’d like to thank Jason for all the support he has given to creating a smooth transition plan.”
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.”
