Former Tesco Exec Appointed New Head Of Waitrose

Less than two weeks after it was announced that James Bailey was stepping down from the role of Managing Director of Waitrose, the supermarket chain has unveiled his replacement.

Tom Denyard, who is currently Managing Director of Tesco’s online business, will become MD of Waitrose in January. He has worked for the supermarket giant since 2015, holding various roles, including CEO of Tesco Mobile, COO of Tesco stores in Malaysia, and multiple food buying positions.

Denyard began his career at Unilever, where he held a variety of roles across sales, marketing, category, strategy and general management. He was also Head of Brand for Food at Marks & Spencer.

“Tom’s blend of brand, customer, commercial and operational experience makes him the ideal person to take the business forward,” said Jason Tarry, the former UK boss of Tesco, who is now Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership.

“I’m confident that under his guidance, Waitrose will continue to thrive and innovate, delivering exceptional quality and service to our customers, building on the impressive progress made by James Bailey and the Waitrose team.”

Denyard added: “Waitrose is a brilliant brand with wonderful values and fantastic Partners, which bring them to life day in and day out for our customers.

“I can’t wait to start the work of building on the terrific progress James and the whole team have made in enhancing the customer offer in recent years, and ensuring Waitrose is the destination for quality food and outstanding service.”

Bailey, who joined the upmarket supermarket in 2020, guided it through a challenging period during the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis. An overhaul of its product offering and store services has helped restore sales growth.

And last year, Waitrose announced plans to inject £1bn in opening new stores and improving existing sites.

Bailey will leave Waitrose at the end of this month, with Tina Mitchell, currently Retail Director, stepping up as Interim Managing Director until Denyard arrives.

NamNews Implications:

• 10 eventful years at Tesco should count for a lot at Waitrose.
• And should dovetail nicely with former Tesco colleagues in the new role.
• Anticipate a quickening of pace at Waitrose…