Former Marks and Spencer chief named permanent Primark CEO amid potential demerger

Owner Associated British Foods (ABF) is also considering a potential demerger of the popular retail chain NewsBusinessPrimark names former Marks and Spencer chief as permanent CEO amid potential demergerOwner Associated British Foods (ABF) is also considering a potential demerger of the popular retail chainHenry Saker-Clark Thursday 05 March 2026 13:32 GMTBookmarkBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popoverSmallest Primark in the world created in Lego model of BirminghamYour support helps us to tell the storyRead moreSupport NowFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read moreEoin Tonge has been officially named the permanent chief executive of high street fashion giant Primark, a year after he took on the role in an interim capacity. His appointment comes as owner Associated British Foods (ABF) considers a potential demerger of the popular retail chain.Mr Tonge stepped in last year following the resignation of former chief executive Paul Marchant. Mr Marchant departed in March amid an allegation of "inappropriate behaviour," specifically an incident related to "his behaviour towards (a woman) in a social environment."ABF confirmed at the time that Mr Marchant co-operated with the investigation, "acknowledged his error of judgment and accepts that his actions fell below the standards expected by ABF."Previously ABF’s finance director, Mr Tonge now assumes the Primark leadership role with immediate effect. He brings prior experience from Marks & Spencer, where he served as finance and strategy boss. He will be supported by the appointment of Filip Ekvall in the newly created position of chief commercial officer.open image in galleryFormer Marks & Spencer chief strategy officer Eoin Tonge (right) has been named as the permanent boss of Primark, ahead of a potential demerger (PA Media)George Weston, chief executive of ABF, said: “Following a comprehensive search process, I am delighted to confirm Eoin as chief executive of Primark.“Over the past year he has demonstrated the leadership, judgment and consumer insight needed to enable Primark to capture the significant opportunities ahead.“The changes he is implementing are at an early stage but are already having a tangible benefit in a challenging environment.”In its previous update in January, ABF warned over profits after sales across the discount clothing chain disappointed in “difficult” Christmas trading.open image in galleryEoin 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 (PA Archive)The appointment also comes as the consumer giant deliberates over whether to spin off the Primark business as part of a possible restructure.In November, ABF, which also owns grocery brands such as Twinings and Ryvita, said it would review the structure of the group.Mr Weston said that the “size and complexity of Primark” means it may need a separate leadership to oversee the retailer.More aboutPrimarkAssociated British FoodsMarks And SpencerMost popularPopular videosBulletinRead next