Tesco Ireland has appointed PJ Clarke as its new chief executive.

Mr Clarke, who has held a number of senior positions in the company, will succeed Tony Keohane.

Mr Keohane is to become chairman of Tesco Ireland from July, having served seven years as chief executive.

He has been chief executive since 2006, having joined the Tesco Ireland board following the acquisition of the Quinnsworth business in 1997.

“In that time, he has overseen the expansion of the company to become the leading grocery and general merchandise retailer in Ireland,” the company said in a statement announcing the appointments.

There are now over 15,000 people employed in 142 stores nationwide, it added.