Troubled retailer Tesco picks Burberry boss as chair

BRITAIN’S biggest retailer Tesco on Monday (Jul 3) named Burberry boss Gerry Murphy as chairman, replacing John Allan, who stepped down after misconduct claims which he denies.

Murphy, chair of fashion house Burberry and food group Tate & Lyle, will start at Tesco on Sep 1, the supermarket chain said in a statement.

He will depart Tate & Lyle but retain his position at Burberry.

Tesco had announced in May that Allan would leave after media allegations over his conduct towards women.

The Guardian newspaper reported that Allan faces “claims of inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour” from four women.

It reported that Allan, 74, allegedly touched the bottom of a senior Tesco staff member at last year’s annual shareholder meeting.

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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 he admitted to was a comment about a CBI staffer’s appearance that she found to be offensive in 2019. AFP