Budgens and Londis owner Musgrave Retail Partners GB has appointed Tesco veteran Willie Hamilton as its new trading director.

Hamilton has held various senior positions in his 24 years at Tesco, and has been commercial director of the Tesco Express c-store chain since 2005.

The appointment is a coup for Musgrave, which is set to benefit from Hamilton's experience in sourcing local produce.

Hamilton is currently on gardening leave from Tesco and is expected to join Musgrave in March. He replaces Barry Williams, who unexpectedly left in April last year.