Tesco has announced that Booker’s long-serving Chief Executive Charles Wilson is to retire in February 2021 having been diagnosed with throat cancer a couple of years ago.
Following treatment, he remains in remission. However, Tesco stated that Wilson had decided that now was the time to step back and take it a little easier.
He will be succeeded by Andrew Yaxley, who is currently Chief Product Officer for Tesco. A handover will begin from today.
Yaxley will be replaced in his current role by Ashwin Prasad, who is promoted from his position as Commercial Director for Packaged Food.
Wilson has led Booker for the last 15 years and played a key part in the wholesaler’s merger with Tesco, which was completed in early 2018. He was subsequently appointed as UK & Ireland Chief Executive for the wider Tesco business but then stepped down shortly afterwards when he was diagnosed with cancer. However, he remained on Tesco’s executive committee and focused on leading the Booker business.
Dave Lewis, Tesco Group Chief Executive commented: “Charles’ reputation in the UK food business is unparalleled and for very good reason. The transformation of Booker over the last 15 years is one of the most remarkable business case studies in recent history.
“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.”
Wilson added: “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.”
He added: “For those of you who ask such things, I will not be selling any Tesco shares in the next few years and will remain a committed supporter of the company.”
