Tesco searches for head of design as Lindley checks out

Tesco is seeking to appoint a new head of design as Jeremy Lindley quits after 11 years to join drinks giant Diageo.

Lindley takes up the position of category development director – design at Diageo on 1 September and will be responsible ‘for driving packaging design’ across the company, confirms a Diageo spokeswoman. The global role includes overseeing international projects and the Diageo packaging design roster.

Tesco has not yet found a replacement for Lindley, leaving one of the most far-reaching design jobs in the retail industry still open.

‘His appointment is significant for Diageo because he will be bringing a new approach to the company,’ according to an industry observer.

At Tesco, Lindley was instrumental in driving forward Tesco’s packaging design strategy. As head of design for four years, he was responsible for implementing design projects across Tesco’s burgeoning portfolio of food and non-food products. He also oversaw the running of Tesco’s 12-consultancy design roster.

Previously, Lindley ran the Tesco store design team, where he was responsible for creating alternative store formats, such as Tesco Express, and global non-food hypermarket Tesco Extra.

Tesco recently relaunched its Organic range with a fresh design by Coley Porter Bell. It is also believed to be reviewing its specialist diet product range Free From and homewares offer Tesco