WHEN Tesco’s finance director Laurie McIlwee was asked last month if he would like to run the company he replied: “Me and 470,000 others.”
Instead that responsibility falls upon current international and IT director Philip Clarke, who – like Sir Terry – was born in Liverpool.
His career took him away from Liverpool in 1984 – although he returns for Liverpool FC matches – and he now lives in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, just yards away from Everton fan Sir Terry.
Mr Clarke said: “I am honoured and delighted to succeed Terry, who has taught me so much.
“I am very excited by the opportunity to lead such a fantastic team of executives, many of whom I’ve worked with for years.
“Together we will build a global business which focuses on the customer and fully respects our people, our communities, our supply chain and our shareholders.”
Mr Clarke was educated at Rudston County Primary Junior School in Childwall and Liverpool Blue Coat School in Wavertree before reading economics at the University of Liverpool.
The son of a Tesco store manager, he joined its graduate trainee scheme in 1981 and was promoted through a number of roles, including store manager and buyer.
He became regional manager for Scotland and the North of England before being appointed to Tesco’s board in 1998. Since then he has been responsible for distribution, supply chain and IT and was made head of international in 2003, which is the area expected to deliver growth for the retailer in the coming years.
Former Tesco chairman Lord MacLaurin described Mr Clarke as “down-to-earth”, adding “He’s a very good retailer.”
