Tesco’s chief customer officer Alessandra Bellini is set to step down from her role at the end of September after close to seven years with the grocer, according to Retail Week.
Having initially joined the UK’s largest supermarket chain in March 2017, Bellini has overseen a top-down transformation of Tesco’s Clubcard loyalty programme – which is now used across 80% of the retailer’s transactions.
In an email sent out to Tesco staff, CEO Ken Murphy wrote: “Ale has made an immense contribution to our business, transforming the group customer function so it is now recognised as best in class amongst global FMCG.
“She has turned around the Tesco brand, creating distinctive propositions including Food Love Stories and Aldi Price Match, as well as some of the best Christmas campaigns in recent memory.
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“She has also driven an increase in Clubcard penetration through digitisation and personalisation. As a result, we have improved our NPS, sales and reputation, and won numerous awards for our customer marketing including a personal recognition for Ale as the UK’s Marketer of the Year 2020. She has also championed diversity and inclusion for our business.”
Following Bellini’s departure, Tesco’s customer and product teams will be merged under the leadership of Ashwin Prasad as chief commercial officer. A like-for-like replacement for Bellini will not be sought.
Bellini herself: “My Tesco journey has been intense, challenging and a lot of fun. I’m proud that we’ve delivered a successful turnaround and growth strategy but after nearly seven years, it’s time to refresh and take on something new.
“I want to thank the customer team for their passion, creativity and dedication, and my colleagues on the executive team for their partnership. I wish you all continued success.”
