B&M names ex-Tesco exec as CEO with transformation track record as new stores open

Tjeerd Jegan has been named as the UK's favourite discount store's new chief executive who has a wealth of international retail experience under his belt and is ready to make a difference

Kelly Williams Assistant News Editor (Live)

06:00, 18 May 2025

B&M is expanding across the UK(Image: (Image: Getty))

UK discount favourite B&M has appointed a new CEO to drive forward its transformation. Former Tesco executive, Tjeerd Jegen will take over the reins next month (June 14).

Jegen's career began at Ahold Delhaize where he acquired significant expertise in food retail in the Netherlands and Central Europe. During his 25 years career, he has served as CEO at Metro Group in Romania and held senior leadership positions at Tesco in Thailand and Malaysia.

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Jegen also served as CEO at HEMA, a Dutch value variety chain, in 2015. He said: "I'm honoured to join one of Europe's leading value retailers at such a pivotal time.

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Tjeerd Jegen will take over the reins next month(Image: (Image: Getty))

"Value retail plays a crucial role in the lives of millions of consumers, and I'm passionate about working with the team to drive growth through great products, operational excellence, and a strong customer focus."

Tiffany Hall, B&M chair, said: “I am delighted to welcome Tjeerd to B&M. He is a highly talented international business leader with in-depth retail experience gained in Europe, Asia and Australasia across the grocery, general merchandise and value sectors.

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“In what was a rigorous recruitment process, Tjeerd stood out from a strong list of candidates due to his strategic insight, customer-centric approach, and strong track record of driving growth and transformation.”

Last month, B&M reported that group revenue increased by 3.7% to £5.6 billion, or by 4% at constant rates, in the year to March 29, The Retail Bulletin reports.

Last month, B&M reported that group revenue increased by 3.7% to £5.6 billion(Image: (Image: Getty))

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The news comes as the store gets set to embark on major expansion plans across the UK.

Last year saw B&M cut the ribbon on 45 new locations, and they're sticking to the same growth script this year. While they're keeping schtum on most of the upcoming store sites, they've let slip on 16 so far, whetting the appetite of bargain lovers nationwide.

It's yet to say where all of them will be, but has revealed the locations of 16 of them so far, including:

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Hall Croft, Shepshed, Leicestershire (April 26)
New Rossington, Doncaster, South Yorkshire (May 2)
Eastgate, Louth, Lincolnshire (May 16)
Watling Road, Bishop Auckland, County Durham (May 17)
Bridge Street, Killamarsh, Derbyshire (May 21)
Middlebrook Way, Holt Road, Cromer, Norfolk (May 23)
Linden Park Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent (May 24)
Tweedmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland (May 30)
Wyndham Way Retail Park, Portishead, Somerset (May 30)
The Market Hall, The Eden Centre, Carlisle, Cumbria (May 30)
Wrekin Retail Park, Arleston, Telford, Shropshire (May 31)
Horsted, Chatham (June 6)
Queens Parade, Winsford (June 11)
Picton Court, Bridgend (June 14)
Galashiels (June 20)
Antrim (August 19)

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