Tesco Ireland names new chief executive: Natasha Adams

Irish-born executive will take over from Kari Daniels as head of supermarket group

Natasha Adams, the incoming chief executive of Tesco Ireland.
Natasha Adams, the incoming chief executive of Tesco Ireland.

Tesco Ireland chief executive Kari Daniels is to step down from the role in April, the retailer said, with Natasha Adams appointed to succeed her.

Ms Adams is Tesco's group chief people officer and will report to group chief executive Ken Murphy in her new role.

Ms Daniels has held several senior commercial and marketing roles in Britain and Europe during her 20 years with the supermarket group. She is planning to take time out before moving on to her next project.

Ms Adams, who was born in Kerry, will relocate to Ireland with her family when she takes up her role in April. She will also sit on the Tesco UK leadership team.

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“Natasha has made an outstanding contribution in her role as chief people officer and her appointment to the new role of chief executive officer Tesco RoI [Republic of Ireland] recognises the breadth of that contribution,” said Mr Murphy. “I have no doubt she will bring the same blend of strategic thinking and people centricity as she leads our Irish business into an exciting future.”

The changes come as Tesco looks to grow its business in Ireland. Among recent developments are its plans to acquire 10 Joyce’s supermarkets in Galway, pending approval by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

“The Tesco Ireland team have taken the business from strength to strength,” said Mr Murphy, citing its “market leading” online business and 151 stores across the State. He thanked Ms Daniels for her “significant contribution” to the company.

In a competitive market, Tesco has retained the grocery market share of just over 22 per cent that it had when Ms Daniels took over in October 2018.

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien is an Irish Times business and technology journalist