Andrew Yaxley returns as Tesco Ireland CEO

Andrew Yaxley previously served as CEO of Tesco Ireland from 2015 to 2018.

Supermarket giant Tesco has appointed Andrew Yaxley as CEO of Tesco Ireland and Northern Ireland.

He succeeds Geoff Byrne in the role, who will become CEO of The Booker Group. The appointments take effect from August 31. 

Andrew Yaxley previously served as CEO of Tesco Ireland from 2015 to 2018. He led the business through a period of significant transformation and growth. 

He subsequently joined the Tesco Group leadership team as chief product officer before becoming CEO of Booker, the UK's leading food and drink wholesaler. In recent years, he has helped drive strong growth at Booker and further strengthen its position in a highly competitive market.

Both Byrne and Yaxley will continue to form part of the Tesco Group Executive Committee.

Byrne joins Booker from the Tesco Ireland CEO role, where he led a period of sustained growth, investment, and market share gains.

Ken Murphy, Group CEO, said: “Tesco Ireland & Northern Ireland are both great businesses with talented teams and ambitious plans for the future. Developing talent across our group and creating opportunities for leaders to bring their experience into different parts of the business is a key strength of Tesco.

"Andrew and Geoff have each made a huge contribution in their current roles. Their experience, knowledge and track record make them the right leaders for the next chapter for Booker and Tesco Ireland and Northern Ireland.” 

Andrew Yaxley said: “I'm delighted to be returning to Tesco Ireland and look forward to working with colleagues to build on the strong momentum already in place. 

"Under Geoff's leadership, the business has delivered excellent progress, growing its position in the market while continuing to serve customers and communities across Ireland and Northern Ireland. I'm excited to lead the business through its next chapter.” 

Geoff Byrne said: “It has been a privilege to lead Tesco Ireland and Northern Ireland and I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together. The business is in a strong position, with a talented team, a clear strategy and strong momentum. 

"Booker is a fantastic business with a unique position in the market, and I'm excited to work with colleagues there to build on its many strengths. Andrew is an outstanding leader who knows the Irish business incredibly well, and I wish him every success.”