Chief execs swap roles at Booker and Tesco
RETAIL giants Tesco and Booker have both announced new changes to its executive committee to ensure the business continues to deliver the greatest impact across its operations.
Two changes have been made to the committee as Andrew Yaxley, the soon-to-be former chief executive at Booker, will now move into his new role as chief executive at Tesco Ireland & Northern Ireland.
Meanwhile, the current chief exec at Tesco Ireland & Northern Ireland, Geoff Byrne, will take on Yaxley’s previous role as chief exec at Booker.
The moves will take effect from 31 August as Tesco said the new appointments will reflect the firm’s ongoing strength and commitment to developing talent and sharing expertise across the group.
Since becoming chief exec at Booker in 2020, Yaxley has helped to deliver strong growth and strengthened the wholesaler’s position across the UK market. Booker sales have grown strongly under Yaxley’s keen supervision despite the rising competition across the market. Yaxley also served as the chief executive at Tesco Ireland & Northern Ireland previously from 2015 to 2018.
Speaking on his new appointment, Yaxley said: “I’d like to thank all of my Booker colleagues for their support and everything we’ve achieved together over the last few years. I’m delighted to be returning to Tesco Ireland and look forward to working with the team to build on the momentum in place.”
Meanwhile, Byrne was appointed chief exec at Tesco Ireland & NI in 2025, following many years across numerous senior leadership positions. During his time, he has helped to deliver growth, investment and market gains across the business and has built on the high-performing team to ensure he can move on from the role from a position of strength.
Byrne said: “It’s been a privilege to lead Tesco Ireland & NI and I’d like to thank my colleagues for their commitment, support and everything we’ve achieved together. Booker is a fantastic business with a unique position in the market, and I’m excited to work with the team to build on its strengths.”
