Colin Holmes, Tesco's commercial director for fresh foods, has been promoted to its executive committee.
Holmes is a Tesco veteran, having joined the company in 1988. He hit the headlines in April 2007 when he was granted a rare nine-month sabbatical by the retailer to spend more time with his family and to do more charity work. Tipped as a possible successor to CEO Sir Terry Leahy, rumours circulated at the time that he had been granted leave to stop another homegrown talent from leaving the group after a series of high-profile departures.
A Tesco spokesman said Holmes' appointment to the executive committee demonstrated the retailer's ability to "spot talent".
"There aren't many FTSE companies where you can develop in this way without leaving the business," he said. "As we move into new markets, investing in developing strong leaders becomes even more important. Our new leadership academy is a world-class facility and will ensure we continue to have a pipeline of talent for many years to come."
During his time at Tesco Holmes has led teams in finance, store operations and commercial. He became FD for the UK and Ireland in 1997 and operations director for superstores in 2000. He was appointed CEO for convenience stores in 2003 after Tesco acquired One Stop and took up his current role in early 2008.
Tesco's executive committee meets weekly to discuss and implement strategy. It is also responsible for monitoring the performance of the business.
Holmes is a Tesco veteran, having joined the company in 1988. He hit the headlines in April 2007 when he was granted a rare nine-month sabbatical by the retailer to spend more time with his family and to do more charity work. Tipped as a possible successor to CEO Sir Terry Leahy, rumours circulated at the time that he had been granted leave to stop another homegrown talent from leaving the group after a series of high-profile departures.
A Tesco spokesman said Holmes' appointment to the executive committee demonstrated the retailer's ability to "spot talent".
"There aren't many FTSE companies where you can develop in this way without leaving the business," he said. "As we move into new markets, investing in developing strong leaders becomes even more important. Our new leadership academy is a world-class facility and will ensure we continue to have a pipeline of talent for many years to come."
During his time at Tesco Holmes has led teams in finance, store operations and commercial. He became FD for the UK and Ireland in 1997 and operations director for superstores in 2000. He was appointed CEO for convenience stores in 2003 after Tesco acquired One Stop and took up his current role in early 2008.
Tesco's executive committee meets weekly to discuss and implement strategy. It is also responsible for monitoring the performance of the business.
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