Tesco names Kingfisher’s Chris Blatchford as new CTO effective March 2027
Tesco has appointed Chris Blatchford, currently Group CTO at Kingfisher, as its Chief Technology Officer and executive committee member starting March 2027. He succeeds Guus Dekkers, who is retiring in December after eight years with the retailer, while Tesco’s Technology Director Jane Mustoe will serve as acting CTO from November 2026.
Blatchford will lead Tesco’s technology, data and digital transformation teams, reporting directly to the chief executive and sitting on the executive committee. At Kingfisher he oversaw the IT infrastructure and digital platforms for the B&Q, Screwfix, Castorama, and Brico Dépôt banners, managing large‑scale systems across multiple European markets. Tesco’s outgoing CTO Dekkers is credited with building an outstanding technology organisation that has supported the retailer’s strategic ambitions over his eight‑year tenure. Ken Murphy, Tesco’s Group Chief Executive, said Blatchford’s experience in scaling technology operations and building high‑performing teams will help strengthen the role of technology in serving customers and supporting long‑term growth. Blatchford has said he looks forward to working with the team to build on the momentum established under Dekkers’ leadership and continue delivering technology that makes a real difference for customers, colleagues, and the business.
“There are so many opportunities for technology to improve the experience for customers and colleagues across the Tesco ecosystem,” Chris Blatchford, Chief Technology Officer said.
“Chris has led technology, data and digital transformation at scale and brings a combination of strategic vision, deep technical expertise and a strong track record of building high performing teams,” Ken Murphy, Group Chief Executive said.
Guus Dekkers has served as Tesco’s CTO for eight years, a period during which he strengthened the retailer’s technology capabilities and delivered on its strategic ambitions. Before the appointment, Tesco’s Technology Director Jane Mu
What we know
Chris Blatchford will become Tesco CTO from March 2027
He will replace Guus Dekkers, who is retiring in December after eight years at Tesco
Blatchford currently serves as Group CTO at Kingfisher across B&Q, Screwfix, Castorama, and Brico Dépôt businesses
Jane Mustoe will act as CTO from the beginning of next month