Eoin Tonge Appointed New CEO of Primark

The clothing discount chain Primark, owned by the British food group Associated British Foods, has appointed a new, permanent chief executive officer. He is Eoin Tonge, who until now served as chief financial officer of the ABF group. The new boss will take over his duties this Thursday, replacing Paul Marchant, who has been leading the company on an interim basis since September 2025. Marchant, an experienced retail industry manager, took the helm following the sudden resignation of the then-president, George Weston, in the autumn of 2024. The goal of the interim management was to ensure operational continuity during the transition period. Primark, founded in 1969 in Dublin, is one of the leading clothing chains offering fashion at low prices. Its owner, Associated British Foods, is an international food conglomerate listed on the London Stock Exchange, with roots dating back to the 19th century. The decision to appoint a permanent CEO comes at a crucial moment for Primark's future. The parent company, ABF, is conducting internal deliberations on a potential spin-off, i.e., the separation and separate listing of the retail chain on the stock exchange. Such an investment move would aim to unlock the value of Primark, which is often viewed by analysts as a "hidden gem" within the conglomerate's structure, and attract a separate group of investors to it. „I'm incredibly excited to take on the role of Primark CEO. It's a fantastic business with a strong culture, dedicated colleagues and loyal customers.” — Eoin Tonge Tonge also indicated that the chain has "huge potential for further growth." Eoin Tonge joined ABF in 2021, having previously gained experience at other British retail giants. He served as CFO at the Marks & Spencer chain and also held managerial positions at Dixons Retail, now known as Currys. His experience in finance and retail operations management is expected to help achieve Primark's strategic goals in the face of changing market conditions. In a press release, ABF emphasized that the decision for an internal promotion reflects Tonge's deep knowledge of both the group and the Primark brand itself.