Richard Brasher has stepped down as Tesco’s UK chief executive after just a year in the role.

The supermarket said the move came “as a consequence of Philip Clarke’s decision to take a much closer involvement in the UK business”.

Brasher steps down from the board immediately and will leave the company in July after handing over to Clarke. He joined Tesco in 1986.

Clarke said: “I have decided to assume responsibility as the CEO of our UK business at this very important time. This greater focus will allow me to oversee the improvements that are so important for customers.

“I completely understand why Richard has decided to leave and want to thank him for the great contribution he has made over many years. The depth of management at Tesco and the strong leadership team across the group allow me to take a more active role in the UK whilst our other businesses continue to grow.”

Paying tribute to Brasher, he said: “Richard has been an architect of our successful format strategy; a true innovator with both Clubcard and the Dunnhumby partnership; and over the last 10 years has led the transformation of our non-food business and the creation of international sourcing.

“He will leave behind a UK business which has very strong plans for improvement, and over the last two months these plans are beginning to show progress, in line with our expectations.  I am more determined than ever that these improvements in the UK will result in a better Tesco and an even better shopping trip for customers.”