Booker has appointed Pete Bexton as its new director of trading for beers, wines and spirits.
He is responsible for trading and sourcing, and would play “a pivotal role” in implementing Booker’s growth strategy for the category across both its retail and foodservice divisions, it said.
Bexton started the new role on 7 May, following 17 years in senior positions at Booker’s parent company Tesco. Fifteen of those were within alcoholic drinks, specialising in strategic category management, range optimisation and customer experience enhancement. His most recent role was category director for prepared foods.
He has replaced Neil Jewsbury, who is now MD of on-trade supplier Venus Wine & Spirit Merchants, which Booker acquired last year.
“Beers, wines and spirits is an area I feel passionate about and I’m delighted to be taking on this role, working with a team of driven and talented colleagues,” said Bexton. “It’s an exciting time to join Booker as the business is on course for expansion.
“Plus, the drinks industry is ever-changing, consumer preferences are evolving, and it’s important for us to ensure we move with the times and that our business decisions keep us ahead of the game.
“We’ve set ambitious growth targets and I’m confident we can take Booker to the next level.”
Booker commercial director Sheila Gallagher, to whom Bexton will report, said: “This is a great move for the business as Pete brings true pedigree in trading and managing high-performing sales teams at a time when we’re focusing our efforts on exploring opportunities within the BWS category.
“He will be a great asset to us as we continue to strengthen our portfolio, build our reputation for supplying a breadth of quality beers, wines and spirits, and consolidate our position in the competitive but lively drinks space.
“Pete’s position will allow Neil Jewsbury to focus on his role as managing director at Venus Wines & Spirits, which we acquired in June 2024. Venus is a core part of our drinks offering, supporting the on-trade with premium wines, spirits and beers.”
This month, Venus announced the opening of a fifth distribution centre in Birmingham as part of Booker Group’s strategy to bolster its on-trade beverage portfolio and grow its presence within wholesale and hospitality across UK regions.
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