Mr Balmer replaces Gary Tucker, who retired after five years in the post at the Edinburgh-headquartered company.

Mr Balmer has held senior positions in IT roles at firms such as PwC, IBM, Sainsbury’s and New Look. Until November 2019, He held the role of group technology director of GHL, the operator of Hard Rock Hotel London, The Insider reports.

Tesco Bank said Mr Balmer brings a “wealth of experience” to the role. Tesco said: “He has a very strong technology change, transformation and data background, as well as very relevant retail experience in the customer digital journey.”

David Bowerman, chief operating officer, Tesco Bank, added: “Our focus as a business is developing propositions which better meet the needs of Tesco shoppers, and Gary will play a key role in leading the technology function which supports the delivery of this.”