Tesco PLC (LON:TSCO) has announced that Dr Gerry Murphy will join the Board and be appointed Chair on 1 September 2023.
Gerry Murphy has extensive global leadership experience in both executive and non-executive roles. He is currently Chair of Burberry Group plc and Tate & Lyle PLC. He will step down from Tate & Lyle PLC on 1 September 2023 to ensure he has sufficient capacity to act as Chair of Tesco. He has previously served as a non-executive director of companies including British American Tobacco plc, Merlin Entertainments plc, Novar plc, Abbey National plc and Reckitt Benckiser plc.
Gerry Murphy’s executive career was spent in retail and other customer-focused businesses in senior leadership and commercial roles. Most recently he served as group chief executive of Kingfisher plc. He was previously chief executive of Carlton Communications plc, Exel plc and Greencore Group plc. He was also previously Chair of The Blackstone Group International Partners LLP, Blackstone’s principal European entity.
Byron Grote, Interim Chair, commented:
“The Board conducted an extensive search for a new Chair and we are delighted that Gerry is joining the Board and taking on the Chair role. He was the unanimous choice of the Board and will bring to our Board a record of strong and effective boardroom leadership and a deep understanding of retail and consumer-focused businesses and corporate governance. I know he will be a great support to Ken Murphy and our management team, who welcome his appointment.”
Gerry Murphy commented:
“I am delighted to join the Tesco Board as its Chair. Tesco has a very important role to play in its markets, serving customers, communities and the planet a little better every day. I’m fully committed to helping Ken and the Tesco team deliver on this purpose and very excited about the strategic opportunities for growth across the Tesco group. I also want to pay tribute to my predecessor, John Allan, whom I have known for many years. John has left Tesco with its business, management and Board in great shape and fit for the future.”
Upon Gerry’s appointment, Byron Grote will step down from his role as Interim Chair and revert to his previous position as Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Audit Committee.
Gerry Murphy will become Chair of the Nominations and Governance Committee upon appointment.
