The supermarket titan is currently seeking a successor both internally and externally for Stewart, who will retire from his role on April 30, 2021.

Stewart joined Tesco in September 2014 and is credited with playing an “instrumental role” in the turnaround of the business, including leading the corporate restructuring, rebuilding of its balance sheet and driving investment.

His forthcoming departure follows that of chief executive Dave Lewis, who also joined in 2014 and is set to step down in September, handing the reins over to successor Ken Murphy.