Primark names former Marks and Spencer chief as everlasting CEO amid potential demerger

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Your assist makes all of the distinction. Learn extra Eoin Tonge has been formally named the everlasting chief government of excessive road style big Primark, a 12 months after he took on the function in an interim capability.

His appointment comes as proprietor Related British Meals (ABF) considers a possible demerger of the favored retail chain.

Mr Tonge stepped in final 12 months following the resignation of former chief government Paul Marchant. Mr Marchant departed in March amid an allegation of "inappropriate behaviour," particularly an incident associated to "his behaviour in the direction of (a girl) in a social setting."

ABF confirmed on the time that Mr Marchant co-operated with the investigation, "acknowledged his error of judgment and accepts that his actions fell under the requirements anticipated by ABF."

Beforehand ABF’s finance director, Mr Tonge now assumes the Primark management function with speedy impact.

He brings prior expertise from Marks & Spencer, the place he served as finance and technique boss. He will likely be supported by the appointment of Filip Ekvall within the newly created place of chief business officer.

<img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/05/25/08/e5c0ad428959f4326e100928c1c827c0Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNjUzNTQ4MTcx-2.67092895.jpg" srcset="https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/05/25/08/e5c0ad428959f4326e100928c1c827c0Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNjUzNTQ4MTcx-2.67092895.jpg?quality=75&width=320&auto=webp 320w, https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/05/25/08/e5c0ad428959f4326e100928c1c827c0Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNjUzNTQ4MTcx-2.67092895.jpg?quality=75&width=640&auto=webp 640w" loading="lazy" alt="Former Marks & Spencer chief strategy officer Eoin Tonge (right) has been named as the permanent boss of Primark, ahead of a potential demerger" class="sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE inline-gallery-btn"/> open picture in gallery

Former Marks & Spencer chief technique officer Eoin Tonge (proper) has been named because the everlasting boss of Primark, forward of a possible demerger (PA Media) George Weston, chief government of ABF, stated: “Following a complete search course of, I'm delighted to verify Eoin as chief government of Primark.

“Over the previous 12 months he has demonstrated the management, judgment and client perception wanted to allow Primark to seize the numerous alternatives forward.

“The adjustments he's implementing are at an early stage however are already having a tangible profit in a difficult setting.”

In its earlier replace in January, ABF warned over income after gross sales throughout the low cost clothes chain upset in “troublesome” Christmas buying and selling.

<img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/2026/03/05/12/8d1733c8894d0f6b1dabb4196d89350cY29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzcyNzk5MzA4-2.79570315.jpg" srcset="https://static.independent.co.uk/2026/03/05/12/8d1733c8894d0f6b1dabb4196d89350cY29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzcyNzk5MzA4-2.79570315.jpg?quality=75&width=320&auto=webp 320w, https://static.independent.co.uk/2026/03/05/12/8d1733c8894d0f6b1dabb4196d89350cY29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzcyNzk5MzA4-2.79570315.jpg?quality=75&width=640&auto=webp 640w" loading="lazy" alt="Eoin Tonge stepped in as interim Primark boss a year ago to replace the chain’s previous chief executive, Paul Marchant, after he resigned over an allegation of inappropriate behaviour" class="sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE inline-gallery-btn"/> open picture in gallery

Eoin Tonge stepped in as interim Primark boss a 12 months in the past to interchange the chain’s earlier chief government, Paul Marchant, after he resigned over an allegation of inappropriate behaviour (PA Archive) The appointment additionally comes as the patron big deliberates over whether or not to spin off the Primark enterprise as a part of a doable restructure.

In November, ABF, which additionally owns grocery manufacturers reminiscent of Twinings and Ryvita, stated it might evaluate the construction of the group.