UK retail giant Tesco has confirmed the departure of its group strategy director Michael Fleming.

A spokesperson for the retailer told just-food today (19 November) that Fleming has taken a sabbatical and therefore stepped down from the role. Tesco has appointed Sergei Spiridonov from the consultancy McKinsey as a replacement.

The spokesperson said the appointment was a permanent one and that Fleming would not be returning into that role but declined to comment beyond that.

The retailer has been struggling to turn around its performance following a fall in half-year profits last month and is embarking on a series of initiatives to revitalise its domestic business.

The move follows a suggestion by Tesco last month that it is on the lookout for a successor to its European head Gordon Fryett amid reports he is to retire. Fryett, who was appointed into the role last December, is reported to be retiring in around a year’s time, according to The Financial Times.

Tesco also saw the departure of its head of UK operations Richard Brasher in March.

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