The best double-act since the original Gold Blend couple have officially called it day.
Edwina Dunn and Clive Humby will step down as CEO and chair respectively of data provider Dunnhumby in March – the same month Sir Terry Leahy gives up the reins at Tesco.
The timing couldn’t be more apt, as together they’ve arguably done as much to put Tesco in its position of dominance as anyone (well, after Sir Terry… and Lord MacLaurin… and a few others, but you get the idea).
The news completes a story that began in 1994, when the company signed up Tesco as a client to pioneer an obscure little project called Clubcard. The rest, as they say, is history.
Andrew Higginson led the tributes for Tesco.
“Edwina and Clive created an amazing international business from an idea they developed in their own home.
"The collective power of their ideas and execution have created a global company that is respected as a partner to retailers and manufacturers around the world – not least Tesco, where they have helped us win increased loyalty and sales from our customers through our Clubcard scheme."
These days Tesco owns 90% of the company, having first taken a majority stake back in 2001. But confirmation of Clive and Edwina's stroll into the metaphorical sunset (although they will stay on as non-executive directors) adds to the sense of transition at the UK’s largest grocer.
Team Dunn-Humby say they will now “move on to new challenges”. While we all wait to find out what Sir Terry’s next challenge is, perhaps the three of them will find time to reminisce about the partnership that changed an industry.
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