Tesco has lost two senior directors with a combined six decades at the supermarket.
Citing a note sent to staff, The Grocer reports that UK fresh produce director Darren Clough has decided to “take a break and pursue other interests”.
He led the British produce team for six years following a stint as commercial director for fresh food across central Europe.
Clough, who began working with Tesco 33 years ago, will be replaced by the current trade and strategy director Tom Mackintosh.
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Compared to his predecessor, Mackintosh is a retail novice, joining the supermarket in 2007 on the graduate programme.
He reportedly worked on planning during the pandemic and helped bring in the Aldi Price Match scheme.
Barry Davies, who started at Tesco in 1988, has also departed.
On his LinkedIn profile he claims that, as Tesco Ireland’s supply chain head, he managed teams of 150 people and a weekly budget of almost £1 billion.
He was also chair of Tesco’s LGBTQ+ Network, made up of over 3000 employees.
The news comes after Sir Dave Lewis, the grocer’s chief executive until last year, was appointed by the Prime Minister to fix Britain’s food and fuel shortages.
“Dave brings a wealth of experience which will help us continue to protect our businesses and supply chains,” Boris Johnson said.
Data released last Friday showed one in six adults had not been able to buy “essential food items” in the last fortnight.
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