Tesco has announced changes to the management team in Ireland.
Geoff Byrne, Tesco Ireland’s Chief Operating Officer since 2014, has been appointed Chief Executive of Tesco’s business in Ireland and Northern Ireland, from early June. Reporting to Group CEO Ken Murphy, Geoff will also join Tesco Group’s Executive Committee.
Geoff has worked for Tesco for over 30 years and has held a variety of leadership roles across retail, people and online functions of the business. Currently, he is Tesco’s Chief Operating Officer in Ireland and Northern Ireland, with responsibility for the retail operations of all Tesco’s stores, the distribution network, a comprehensive property portfolio, and the grocery home shopping business within Tesco Ireland. Geoff lives with his family in Wicklow.
Geoff replaces Natasha Adams who is taking up the role of Group Strategy & Transformation Officer on Tesco’s Executive Committee, after three successful years as CEO in Tesco Ireland & Northern Ireland. Natasha led the business through a period of expansion and growth, with market share gains for 39 consecutive periods and more than 30 new store openings in the Republic of Ireland, and an extensive store refresh programme in Northern Ireland.
Ken Murphy, Tesco Group CEO, said:
“Under Natasha’s leadership, our business in Ireland has thrived: we are winning in a highly competitive market by delivering unbeatable value for customers, and we are well set up for long-term growth. I would like to thank Natasha for her exceptional leadership and the impact she has made. In her new role, Natasha will help us further accelerate the delivery of our strategic ambitions and drive our innovation and transformation agendas.”
“I am delighted to announce Geoff Byrne as our new CEO for Ireland and Northern Ireland. With over 30 years’ experience in Tesco, Geoff knows our business better than anyone. Geoff takes over a business with strong momentum, and I believe his deep understanding of our customers together with his extensive retail experience, will help us build further growth in Ireland.”
Geoff Byrne said:
“I have spent my entire career in Tesco; I love this business, and I am so proud to now have an opportunity to lead it. I’m really excited about the opportunities ahead: we are winning in a highly competitive market; we have the best people on our team, and we are delivering unbeatable value to our customers. I’d like to thank Natasha for her exceptional leadership… I have a hard act to follow!
Natasha Adams said:
“Being Tesco CEO in Ireland has been a privilege and I am so proud to have led such an amazing team. Thanks to the hard work and expertise of our colleagues, we have grown our business by continuing to invest for our customers, expanding our store estate, and improving our offer for colleagues. I am delighted to pass on the baton to Geoff, who is the best person to lead our businesses into this next phase.”
