Booker is set for a change at the top after Tesco Group announced that Geoff Byrne will become chief executive of the UK's largest food and drink wholesaler, succeeding Andrew Yaxley, who is returning to lead Tesco Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Tesco Group has today announced the appointment of Andrew Yaxley as CEO of Tesco Ireland and Northern Ireland, succeeding Geoff Byrne, who will become CEO of The Booker Group. The appointments, which take effect from 31st August, reflect Tesco's continued focus on developing leadership talent across the Group and building on the strong momentum in both businesses.
Andrew Yaxley previously served as CEO of Tesco Ireland from 2015 to 2018, leading the business through a period of significant transformation and growth. He subsequently joined the Tesco Group leadership team as Chief Product Officer before becoming CEO of Booker, the UK's leading food and drink wholesaler. In recent years, he has helped drive strong growth at Booker and further strengthen its position in a highly competitive market.
Geoff Byrne brings extensive experience in senior leadership roles to Booker, most recently as CEO of Tesco Ireland and Northern Ireland, where he led a period of sustained growth, investment, and market share gains, while further strengthening the business's position with customers and communities across the island of Ireland.
Both Geoff and Andrew will continue to form part of the Tesco Group Executive Committee.
"Tesco Ireland & Northern Ireland are both great businesses with talented teams and ambitious plans for the future. Developing talent across our Group and creating opportunities for leaders to bring their experience into different parts of the business is a key strength of Tesco. Andrew and Geoff have each made a huge contribution in their current roles.
"Their experience, knowledge and track record make them the right leaders for the next chapter for Booker and Tesco Ireland and Northern Ireland," Ken Murphy, Group CEO, said.
"I'm delighted to be returning to Tesco Ireland and look forward to working with colleagues to build on the strong momentum already in place.
"Under Geoff's leadership, the business has delivered excellent progress, growing its position in the market while continuing to serve customers and communities across Ireland and Northern Ireland. I'm excited to lead the business through its next chapter," Andrew Yaxley said.
"It has been a privilege to lead Tesco Ireland and Northern Ireland and I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together. The business is in a strong position, with a talented team, a clear strategy and strong momentum.
"Booker is a fantastic business with a unique position in the market, and I'm excited to work with colleagues there to build on its many strengths. Andrew is an outstanding leader who knows the Irish business incredibly well, and I wish him every success," Geoff Byrne said.