Tesco Telecoms appoints Graham Harris as new CEO (UK)

Tesco Telecoms, the telco division of Tesco, has announced that it has appointed Graham Harris as its new chief executive, following the departure of his predecessor Lance Batchelor in February.

Harris, an internal candidate who joined the company in 2000 as non food finance director, will be responsible for all of Tesco Telecom’s operations, including its MVNO; fixed-line phone and broadband; international long distance; and retail divisions.

According to Harris, while the telecoms market remains highly competitive, they will continue to distinguish them by providing an exceptional customer experience coupled with excellent value.

Harris has been given the top job after the departure of his predecessor Lance Batchelor, who announced in January his plan to leave Tesco to become deputy chief executive of Domino’s Pizza.

Batchelor served as CEO of Tesco Telecoms for two-and-a-half years. During his tenure Tesco Mobile, which provides mobile services via O2′s network, caused a stir when in December 2009 it became the first U.K. player to offer Apple’s iPhone on a 12 month contract; it also undercut its rivals’ iPhone prices.

Tesco Mobile also grew its subscriber base by 25% over the course of 2010, reaching 2.5 million customers in January, helped by strong Christmas sales.