Tesco has today announced changes to its management team in Ireland.
Geoff Byrne, Tesco Ireland's chief operating officer since 2014, has been appointed chief executive of Tesco's business in Ireland and Northern Ireland, from early June.
Reporting to Group CEO Ken Murphy, Geoff will also join Tesco Group's executive committee.
Mr Byrne replaces Natasha Adams who is taking up the newly created role of Group Strategy & Transformation Officer on Tesco's executive committee, after three years as CEO in Tesco Ireland & Northern Ireland.
She led the business through a period of expansion and growth, with market share gains for 39 consecutive periods and more than 30 new store openings in the Republic of Ireland as well as a store refresh programme in Northern Ireland.
Ken Murphy, Tesco Group CEO, said that under Ms Adams' leadership, the business in Ireland has thrived.
"In her new role, Natasha will help us further accelerate the delivery of our strategic ambitions and drive our innovation and transformation agendas," he added.
The Group CEO also said that Geoff Byrne, who has worked at the company for 30 years, takes over a business with strong momentum,.
"I believe his deep understanding of our customers together with his extensive retail experience, will help us build further growth in Ireland," he added.
Meanwhile, Tesco also said today Matthew Barnes, its UK boss who was seen by some analysts as the most likely successor to group CEO Ken Murphy, has stepped down "to pursue other opportunities."
Barnes, also a former boss of discounter Aldi UK, had held the post as Tesco's UK CEO for just over a year.
He will be replaced by Ashwin Prasad, who is currently Tesco's chief commercial officer, from June 30, the group said today.
