Tesco PLC has announced that Gerry Murphy will be its next chair, taking over from interim chair Byron Grote.

Murphy has global leadership experience in both executive and non-executive roles. Currently chair of Burberry Group plc and Tate & Lyle PLC, he will step down from Tate & Lyle on 1 September. He has previously served as a NED of companies including British American Tobacco plc, Merlin Entertainments plc, Novar plc, Abbey National plc and Reckitt Benckiser plc.

Murphy’s executive career was spent in retail and other customer-focused businesses in senior leadership and commercial roles. He was group chief executive of Kingfisher plc and had been CEO of Carlton Communications plc, Exel plc and Greencore Group plc. He also chaired The Blackstone Group International Partners LLP.

Byron Grote, interim chair, commented: “The board conducted an extensive search for a new chair and we are delighted that Gerry is joining the board and taking on the chair role. He was the unanimous choice of the board and will bring to our board a record of strong and effective boardroom leadership and a deep understanding of retail and consumer-focused businesses and corporate governance. I know he will be a great support to Ken Murphy and our management team, who welcome his appointment.”

Murphy paid tribute to his predecessor, John Allan, who left recently following allegations of misconduct. Murphy said Allan had “left Tesco with its business, management and board in great shape and fit for the future”.