Tesco appoints Burberry chairman to replace controversial John Allan

John Allan insisted he was «completely innocent» of the charges. Photo: Jeff Overs/BBC/PA

After a string of resignations, Mr Allan said in June: “A lot of men tell me they are getting more and more nervous about working with women, mentoring women, which I have done a lot over the years. throughout his career.

“What? Quite a few people tell me and others I know that in the future they will be very careful about how they interact with women in the business world.”

Allan insisted. in an interview with Sky News that first reported on Mr Murphy's appointment in June, he was «completely innocent» of allegations of inappropriate behavior towards women. He said the accusations were «absolutely unfounded» and that his «conscience is completely clear.»

Mr Murphy said he wanted to «pay tribute» to Mr Allan, adding: «John has left Tesco. with his business, management and board of directors in great shape and ready for the future.”

The Irish businessman was previously the chief executive of Carlton Communications, Greencore's sandwich and ready-to-meal maker, and chairman of Europe's Private Companies division. stock giant Blackstone.