Britain’s biggest retailer Tesco made a significant announcement on Monday. They revealed that Gerry Murphy, the current CEO of Burberry, has been appointed as the company’s new chairman. This appointment comes as a replacement for John Allan, who recently resigned amidst allegations of misconduct. Despite denying these claims, Allan decided to step down from his position.
In a statement, the supermarket chain Tesco confirmed that Gerry Murphy, who currently serves as the chairman of fashion house Burberry and food group Tate and Lyle, will assume the role of chairman at Tesco starting from September 1.
He will depart Tate and Lyle but will retain his position at Burberry.
In May, Tesco made an announcement stating that Allan would be departing from his position following media allegations concerning his behavior towards women.
The Guardian newspaper reported that Allan faces “claims of inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour” from four women.
According to reports, it was alleged that Allan, aged 74, made physical contact with the lower body of a senior staff member at the previous year’s annual shareholder meeting held by Tesco.
The report came after The Guardian revealed similar accusations against staff at the CBI — Britain’s main business lobby group — triggering a shake-up and a police probe.
The newspaper said it was claimed that Allan touched the bottom of a staff member at the CBI’s annual dinner in 2019, when he was president of the employers’ organisation.
Allan has stated that he “vehemently” denies the claims.
The Guardian said the one allegation Allan admitted to was a comment about a CBI staffer’s appearance that she found to be offensive in 2019.
