Pub operator JD Wetherspoon has secured the services of Tesco’s commercial finance director to replace Jim Clarke as finance director in January.

Keith Down has been with Tesco for four years, having joined when the supermarket chain bought T&S Stores where he was director of financial operations.

John Hutson, chief executive of Wetherspoon’s, said: “I am delighted to welcome Keith to our executive team. 

“He brings with him a considerable amount of relevant experience and I look forward to working with him in taking the company to the next stage of its development.”

Clarke, who has worked for Wetherspoon since 1998, announced his intentions to leave this month in June. 

Smoking ban fails to dent JD Wetherspoon's profits >> 

Finance director quits JD Wetherspoon >>

By Christopher Walton

E-mail your comments to Chris Druce here.