Move of the week: Tesco’s Tony Reed joins Palmer and Harvey as chief executive

I’m kicking off my new weekly column with the news that Tesco lifer Tony Reed has joined Palmer and Harvey as chief executive, a little more than six months after leaving the grocery giant.

Reed had been with Tesco since the age of 15 until he left in March, and he has earned huge respect within the industry for his hard work and dedication to his profession.

“One of Reed’s strengths is his versatility and depth of experience, gained both in managing large stores and important product categories”

In recent years he has been a key figure in convenience retailing, latterly as managing director of Tesco’s convenience business, prior to which he worked as chief executive of the Tesco-owned One Stop chain.

However, one of Reed’s strengths is his versatility and depth of experience, gained both in managing large stores and important product categories.

It’s hard to think of someone better qualified to lead Palmer and Harvey, which is a major wholesale-supplier to the convenience grocery trade. 

Reed is also a keen cyclist who is known to go out for long rides on Christmas Day to work off the festive turkey.

I wish him every success as he climbs into the P&H saddle. 

Buoyant market 

Despite unsettling talk around the devaluation of sterling and creeping food price inflation, the jobs market remains buoyant.

It is clear, however, that change is on the mind of many retail bosses.

We have recently taken on an assignment for a new business transformation director, a role that is becoming increasingly prevalent.

Retailers are attempting to shift from outdated business models built around bricks-and-mortar stores to more dynamic models that align with the modern way of shopping.

The role is not just about making retailers leaner and more agile, but looking at diversification strategies that can add value to the business.

These are high-profile board positions, often suited to candidates with a consultancy background but also boasting strong industry experience and a proven track record of delivery.

Digital experience is considered extremely desirable for this type of role and candidates that possess digital skills are near certain to increase their market value and the number of options open to them.

In uncertain times, people that can navigate a business through a period of transformation are worth every pound of the salary they can command.