UK grocery giant Tesco raids Kingfisher to bring in Chris Blatchford as its new CTO
Tesco has announced the appointment of Chris Blatchford as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and a member of the executive committee from March 2027. He will replace Guus Dekkers, who is retiring in December following eight years with the UK grocery retailer.
Blatchford joins Tesco from Kingfisher, where he currently serves as Group CTO across its B&Q, Screwfix, Castorama, and Brico Dépôt businesses.
“There are so many opportunities for technology to improve the experience for customers and colleagues across the Tesco ecosystem,” he says. “Tesco has built an outstanding technology organisation under Guus's leadership, and I'm looking forward to working with the team to build on that momentum and continue delivering technology that makes a real difference for customers, colleagues and the business."
"Leading the technology team at Tesco has been a huge privilege,” Dekkers comments. “I know the team will continue to go from strength to strength under Chris's leadership, and I wish him every success in the role.”
Tesco’s Technology Director Jane Mustoe will become acting CTO from the beginning of next month. Group Chief Executive Ken Murphy says: “Guus’s leadership has been central to strengthening our technology capabilities and delivering our strategic ambitions. I'm also grateful for the contribution he has made as a member of our executive committee and his commitment to developing technology talent."
“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,” he adds. “I am confident he will help us continue to strengthen the role technology plays in serving customers and colleagues and supporting our long-term growth."
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Digital transformation initiatives will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards, which celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world, have now closed for entries. Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2026 shortlists and finalists here.
We received a record number of entries this year and many fantastic examples of technology excellence driving transformative change across the global retail sector.
Congratulations to all those who made it through the initial submission process! It’s now over to our star studded judging panel who will decide the winners to be announced at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London.
The event will be held on Wednesday, 4th November and consist of a drinks reception, three course meal, awards ceremony presided over by award winning stand-up comedian, presenter, actor and broadcaster, Aurie Styla, and after party until 1am.
Click here to book your place at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, 4th November.
