He described Murphy as a “seasoned, growth-orientated business leader”, highlighting that he has deep commercial, marketing and brand experience within retail and wholesale, developed during his time at Alliance Unichem, and then with Boots.
Murphy was Joint Chief Operating Officer at Boots UK & Ireland before rising to Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer and President Global Brands at Walgreens Boots Alliance. He left US group at the end of 2018 but retained a consultancy role.
Allan added: “Ken has values which align with our own, strong strategic and operating acumen, and is proven at the very top of a large and respected multinational retail group. I firmly believe we have the right person for the job.”
Lewis described his decision to step down as a personal one, stating: “I believe that the tenure of the CEO should be a finite one and that now is the right time to pass the baton. Our turnaround is complete, we have delivered all the metrics we set for ourselves … I have no doubt that Tesco will kick on again under new leadership next year.”
Lewis stressed that he is not leaving for another job. “From the middle of next year I intend to take some proper time out with my family, re-charge the batteries and then think about what might come next,” he said.
The former Unilever executive’s departure comes after a successful five years in which he has managed to restore growth and trust at a business severely damaged by an accounting scandal back in 2014.
Richard Lim, Chief Executive at Retail Economics, commented: “This surprise news will send shock waves through the industry. Upon arrival, he faced the momentous task of restoring the UK’s largest retailer to vitality. A lazer-like focus on the core food business, disposal of international assets and a ruthless approach to cost-cutting has left the retailer in a much more commanding position. The revival strategy is already well under way following the acquisition of Bookers, but he is leaving some mighty big boots to fill.”
Tesco today reported a 25.4% rise in first-half underlying operating profit to £1.41bn, with margins up 87bps to 4.41%. However, like-for-like sales in its core UK business edged down 0.3% due to weak consumer confidence and tough comparisons with the same period last year which was boosted by a summer heatwave and the football World Cup.
