Booker has poached Andy Walsh from rival Makro to further improve the wholesaler’s offer to caterers.

Walsh has worked at Makro since 2001, most ­recently as a customer care manager for Makro’s hotel, restaurant and catering customers, and was instrumental in the wholesaler’s ongoing Love the Pub ­campaign. He also worked as a buyer for Morrisons and as a chef for Copthorne, Hilton & Marriott groups.

Walsh will join Booker this month, reporting to Ron Hickey, Booker’s sales director for catering. Booker’s catering sales increased by 88% in the six months to 11 September.