Charles Wilson is to step down from his role as chief executive of Tesco’s UK & Ireland business on 16 July, following a cancer diagnosis.
In a statement posted this morning, Tesco said that former Booker chief Wilson (pictured left, alongside Tesco CEO Dave Lewis) was diagnosed with throat cancer in April and underwent daily radiotherapy, to which he has ‘responded very well’, during May and June.
‘Given the nature of the illness and the need for Charles to remain vigilant in his recuperation,’ Tesco wrote, the retailer has instigated changes in the UK and Ireland leadership team.
Leadership Changes
Wilson will step down as CEO of Tesco UK & ROI and from the PLC board on 16 July, 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,’ Tesco wrote in a statement.
Under the changes, Jason Tarry, currently group chief product officer at Tesco, will become the CEO of the UK & ROI business, and Andrew Yaxley, currently CEO of Tesco’s Irish operations, is to be promoted to group chief product officer and join the Tesco executive committee.
Medical Support
Commenting, Wilson said, “In April, I was shocked to learn I had throat cancer. Thanks to some fantastic medical support, I am pleased the treatment is going well, and I am back to working full time. However, advice suggests I am not fully up to running the Tesco UK & ROI business. During this process, Dave and the board and Tesco leadership team have been very supportive.
“I am very pleased to continue running Booker and help deliver the benefits of the merger for consumers, Booker customers, colleagues, suppliers and shareholders,” he added.
The ESM team wishes Wilson a speedy recovery.
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
