Charles Wilson

Charles Wilson will remain on the Tesco Executive Committee

Charles Wilson has stepped down as CEO of Tesco UK & Ireland due to illness and will be replaced by Jason Tarry.

Tesco announced this morning that, following an operation to remove his tonsils in April of this year, Wilson was diagnosed with throat cancer and that during May and June he has been undergoing daily radiotherapy.

“The good news is that Charles has responded very well to the treatment and all the signs are that the treatment has been successful,” Tesco stated.

However, given the nature of the illness and “the need for Charles to remain vigilant in his recuperation” it has made a number of changes to its senior leadership team.

Wilson will step down as CEO Tesco UK & ROI and from the PLC board, but remain on the Tesco Executive Committee. He will focus on leading the Booker business, continuing to deliver the cost synergies and driving the growth agenda set out in the merger agreement.

Jason Tarry, currently group chief product officer, will become the CEO of the UK & ROI business and Andrew Yaxley, currently CEO Ireland, will be promoted to group chief product officer and join the Tesco executive committee. Both will report to Dave Lewis.

These changes will be effective from 16 July.