Tesco UK CEO Jason Tarry to step down after 33-year career

After an exceptional career at Tesco of more than 33 years, including six as UK CEO, Jason Tarry has decided to leave the business in March 2024.

Jason’s leadership has guided Tesco through its turnaround and more recently the pandemic, rebuilding its competitiveness in the UK and putting customers back at the heart of the business. 

Tarry said, “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.”

Paying tribute to Kerry, Tesco Group CEO Ken Murphy said, “Jason has made an immense contribution to our business. 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.”

Jason will be succeeded as UK CEO by Matthew Barnes, who will join Tesco on 1 March 2024. 

Matthew is a highly accomplished retailer having worked in many senior positions in Aldi. He was previously UK & Ireland CEO 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.

Commenting on Matthew’s appointment as incoming UK CEO, 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.”