Tesco UK chief executive Matthew Barnes is set to exit at the end of June, just over a year after joining the grocery giant to “pursue other opportunities”.

He is to be succeeded by chief commercial officer Ashwin Prasad, in a move that Tesco says continues the strategy of drawing from internal talent to fill key leadership roles.

Barnes, who joined the retailer in March 2024, leaves what Tesco described as “a legacy of operational improvements”, credited with simplifying the business and sharpening its focus on customers.

Group CEO Ken Murphy thanked Barnes for his “obsession with customers” and said Tesco had “gone from strength to strength” under his leadership.

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Murphy said: “We are winning in the intensely competitive markets we serve and making strong progress delivering our strategic ambitions. The changes to our Executive team, which draw on strong internal talent, will set us up to continue delivering a market-leading performance.

“Matthew leaves with our respect and sincere thanks for his contribution. Under his leadership, our business has gone from strength to strength. His obsession with customers has made a big impact and we are winning in the market by offering customers unbeatable value. We wish him the very best in his next chapter.

It is understood Prasad, who has led Tesco’s product and customer strategy, will take over as UK CEO from 30 June. Murphy described him as “an exceptional leader” with a “strong track record for delivering for our customers”.

Murphy said: “Ashwin is an exceptional leader with a strong track record for delivering for our customers. His experience leading our product and customer strategy makes him the ideal person to take over as UK CEO.”

As part of the reshuffle, Natasha Adams, currently CEO of Tesco Ireland and Northern Ireland, will become chief strategy and transformation officer from 9 June. She will be succeeded by Geoff Byrne, currently chief operating officer in Ireland.

Murphy said the changes would ensure Tesco remained well positioned to deliver “a market-leading performance” in an intensely competitive trading environment.