Tony Reed, One Stop

New Palmer & Harvey boss Tony Reed left Tesco in April this year

Former Tesco convenience boss Tony Reed has joined Palmer & Harvey as the new CEO.

Reed, who was chief executive of One Stop convenience stores and MD of convenience for Tesco, will replace Chris Etherington, who will remain with P&H as executive deputy chairman.

Reed has spent 38 years in the retail industry and worked with Tesco across a number of operational roles and store formats, including overseeing the One Stop business for five years.

Reed left Tesco in April this year, just over a year after he was appointed MD of convenience.

“I am looking forward to working with the strong team at P&H to drive the opportunities for growth, operational efficiency and service excellence that its unique scale, heritage, reputation for delivery and customer relationships present,” said Reed.

“Having worked closely with P&H over the last four years I have always found it a reactive and responsive business to work with.”

Etherington added, “We are delighted to welcome Tony as our chief executive. His deep experience of the retail sector will be extremely valuable to Palmer & Harvey, as will his track record of driving growth, operational efficiency and his passion for developing people.

“Tony is ideally placed to drive our long-term strategy, further strengthen our customer proposition and embed our reputation for first-class service.”

P&H has also appointed Alistair Darby as non-executive director. Darby was formerly chief executive of Mitchells & Butlers and has held a number of senior roles as Marston’s since 1997, including a decade as board director.

“The appointment of Alistair further strengthens our board, adding significant operational experience as we focus on delivering our strategy to the benefit of all our stakeholders,” said Etherington.

And following three years as a non-executive director, Richard Grainger has been appointed as non-executive chairman. Currently chairman of McKay Securities, Grainger was previously chairman of Safestore and of Close Brothers Corporate Finance.

Non-executive Stewart Oades will retire in December.