The interim boss of Primark, Eoin Tonge, is to be appointed in a permanent capacity next month, it has been reported.
Tonge, previously Primark’s finance director, took interim charge of the brand after the resignation of Paul Marchant in March last year. Before moving to Primark, Tonge had been group chief financial officer at Marks & Spencer.
The decision, first reported by Sky News, comes in the midst of Primark owner Associated British Foods (ABF) considering whether it wants to split the fashion firm off from its wider business. ABF said in November that it had been reviewing its group structure “with a view to maximising long-term value”.
Primark has faced tough trading in some markets. Trading for the 16 weeks to January 3, 2026, showed like-for-like sales in Europe falling by 5.7%. Sales grew in the US as the company rolled out stores, but ABF pointed to a “volatile” retail environment stateside.
Sales in the UK and Ireland were stronger, with a like-for-like increase of 1.7%, which the brand attributed to stronger product, improving price perception and a stronger digital offer, including its rollout of click and collect. ABF explained the weaker performance in Europe was partly because initiatives like these were only recently underway on the continent.
Sky News reported that a demerger is still “considered to be likely”, but that retaining it within the wider businesses is still also an option.
It also published a statement from ABF, which said: “ABF announced in March 2025 the search for a permanent CEO [for Primark].
“Since that time, the board has undertaken a rigorous search, assessing both internal and external candidates.
“The process is at an advanced stage, but we will not comment further until the process is complete.”
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