Tesco has appointed Geoff Byrne as CEO of its business in Ireland and Northern Ireland, replacing Natasha Adams, who takes on a new role as the group's strategy & transformation officer.

Byrne has worked for the supermarket group for 30 years, and has held a variety of leadership roles across the retail, people and online functions.

He will report to group CEO Ken Murphy when he starts in early June, and he will also join the group's executive committee.

Byrne currently works as COO of Tesco Ireland with responsibility for the retail operations of all Tesco’s stores, the distribution network, a comprehensive property portfolio, and the grocery home shopping business within Tesco Ireland.

“I have spent my entire career in Tesco; I love this business, and I am so proud to now have an opportunity to lead it," said Byrne.

"I’m really excited about the opportunities ahead: we are winning in a highly competitive market; we have the best people on our team, and we are delivering unbeatable value to our customers.

"I’d like to thank Natasha for her exceptional leadership… I have a hard act to follow!"

Adams has spent three years as CEO of Tesco Ireland, leading the company to market share gains for 39 consecutive periods and more than 30 new store openings in the Republic as well as an extensive store refresh programme in Northern Ireland.

“Being Tesco CEO in Ireland has been a privilege and I am so proud to have led such an amazing team," said Adams.

"Thanks to the hard work and expertise of our colleagues, we have grown our business by continuing to invest for our customers, expanding our store estate, and improving our offer for colleagues.

"I am delighted to pass on the baton to Geoff, who is the best person to lead our businesses into this next phase.”

Commenting on the leadership changes, Murphy said: “Under Natasha’s leadership, our business in Ireland has thrived: we are winning in a highly competitive market by delivering unbeatable value for customers, and we are well set up for long-term growth.

"I would like to thank Natasha for her exceptional leadership and the impact she has made. In her new role, Natasha will help us further accelerate the delivery of our strategic ambitions and drive our innovation and transformation agendas.”

Photo: Geoff Byrne. (Pic: Supplied)