Booker CEO Charles Wilson is to retire in February, after 15 years at the helm of the Tesco-owned wholesale giant.
Tesco CEO Dave Lewis, who himself steps down at the end of this month to be replaced by former Boots executive Ken Murphy, said Wilson’s reputation in the food business was “unparalleled”.
“A couple of years ago Charles unfortunately was diagnosed with throat cancer,” Lewis said. ”In typical Charles fashion he has courageously fought the disease and we are delighted that he remains in remission. However, Charles has decided that now is the time to step back and take it a little easier.
“Since the merger with Tesco he has been a superb member of the executive team and a brilliant colleague. Whilst we are very sad to see him retire, we completely understand and wish Charles and his family all the very best for the future. I know that he will stay a massive supporter of the Tesco/Booker business and he will always remain a friend to many colleagues.
“Charles leaves an incredible legacy of building the UK’s leading wholesale business, championing customer satisfaction and driving growth. He has been a wonderful colleague and team player to us all, and we are very grateful for all he has brought to Tesco and the team.”
Wilson is one of the most well-known and well-respected figures in the UK grocery sector. As well as masterminding, with Lewis, Tesco’s £3.7bn takeover of Booker in 2018, he is also widely credited with a major turnaround of M&S as right-hand man to Stuart Rose, before joining Booker in 2005.
Following the Tesco deal, he became CEO of Tesco’s UK & Ireland business and was widely tipped as the natural successor to Lewis. However following his cancer diagnosis he stepped down, though he remained in charge at Booker.
Wilson said: “I joined the Booker team 15 years ago. At that time Booker was challenged. Together we turned around the company, improved customer satisfaction and grew to be the leading wholesaler. In 2018 we merged with Tesco. The merger is working well. Customer satisfaction has improved, our sales are up £1.5bn and we are proud to be part of Tesco. It has been a privilege serving our retail and catering customers and a pleasure working with a great team at Tesco/Booker.
“A couple of years ago I was diagnosed with throat cancer. I remain in remission, but it is time to take things a little easier. I will retire next year to be replaced by Andrew Yaxley. Andrew will be a great leader of Booker within the Tesco group. Andrew and I will ensure a smooth handover to maintain business as usual. It has been a huge privilege to be part of Booker and Tesco, and I look forward to seeing the group flourish in the years ahead.”
Yaxley has played an increasing role at Booker since February, when The Grocer revealed Tesco was taking more of a direct grip on its buying department to coincide with the retirement of Booker commercial director Andrew Thompson.
Former Tesco Ireland boss Yaxley, who himself has been overseeing a move towards everyday low pricing at Tesco, which has led to a round of tough negotiations with suppliers, will be replaced by Ashwin Prasad, who is promoted from his current role as commercial director for packaged food.
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