Leahy, Terry (1956– )

English retailing executive. Leahy joined Tesco in 1979, initially working in the marketing department. He rose progressively, being promoted to marketing manager in 1981, appointed to the board a year later, becoming managing director in 1995 and CEO in 1997. Despite fierce competition in the grocery trade, Leahy's innovations (which include the introduction of loyalty cards and the creation of one of the largest e-grocer sites) realized sales of £20 billion for Tesco in 2000.

Adding to the former CEO's (English executive Ian Maclaurin) strategy of raising the Tesco brand, Leahy was responsible for the creation of the Tesco Metro Stores (smaller versions of the main supermarkets, tailored to the demands of different neighbourhoods) and the introduction of Tesco loyalty cards, which give customers discounts and benefits on their shopping. In May 2000 Leahy announced plans for global expansion, creating 20,000 new jobs in a chain of hypermarkets across Eastern Europe and Asia. He separated the electronic commerce business from the core supermarket operation as a wholly-owned subsidiary (calling it Tesco.com) and invested £35 million. Having attracted over 500,000 customers to the site, Leahy formed a partnership with English computer entrepreneur Mike Lynch, using his company's technology to power further development of the site.

Born in Liverpool, Leahy was educated at St Edward's College and the University of Manchester, graduating with a degree in business science. As a student he had casual work stacking shelves in Tesco stores. After leaving university, he initially worked as a management trainee with the Co-operative Wholesale Society in Manchester, before moving to London in 1979 to join Tesco.

Leahy, a Labour Party supporter, chairs the UK government's Consumers First Panel, which grants awards for outstanding customer service, and is a member of the Demos Advisory Council. He is said to be a passionate Everton football club supporter.