Tesco’s chief executive Phillip Clarke is to leave the retail giant in October and will be replaced by Dave Lewis at Unilever.

It will be the first time Tesco has appointed someone from outside the firm to the position of chief executive.

In a statement, Tesco chairman Richard Broadbent said: "Philip Clarke agreed with the board that this is the appropriate moment to hand over to a new leader with fresh perspectives and a new profile.

"Dave Lewis brings a wealth of international consumer experience and expertise in change management, business strategy, brand management and customer development.
"He is already known to many people inside Tesco, having worked with the business over many years in his roles at Unilever."

In the statement announcing Mr Clarke's departure, Tesco had also said current trading positions had been “more challenging” than anticipated with stores quarterly like-for-like sales, which had fallen by 3.7%, which was the worst the retailer had seen in 40 years.

Phillip Clarke will remain with Tesco until 1st October but will also be available to support the transition to the new chief executive until the end of January 2015.