So has Tesco boss Phil Clarke found his man to run the UK? If the speculation is true, Clarke is about to promote 30-year Tesco veteran Chris Bush to lead the domestic business. Bush, currently chief operating officer, has definitely earned his stripes.

So has Tesco boss Phil Clarke found his man to run the UK? If the speculation is true, Clarke is about to promote 30-year Tesco veteran Chris Bush to lead the domestic business. Bush, currently chief operating officer, has definitely earned his stripes.

As we detail today, he has worked across Tesco businesses in Thailand, South Korea and Malaysia and was brought back to the UK fold when Clarke took over.

Tesco has been talking up Bush in recent weeks. Speaking to staff at the retailer, the person often mentioned as a key leader in Clarke’s top team is Bush.

Clarke wanted to get the UK business back on track before appointing a UK boss but with the Tesco businesses in Europe and Asia starting to suffer, and the US business under review, he is juggling a lot of balls.

He has set the strategy for the UK and can now step back and let someone else implement his plan.

Bush is incredibly capable but the UK is a tough market, not least in a downturn. Former UK boss Richard Brasher was well known for being tough, smart and always on the offensive. Bush needs to be equally formidable.