Tesco’s UK and Ireland boss is stepping down from the board after being diagnosed with throat cancer.
Charles Wilson – who was chief executive of wholesaler and convenience grocery operator Booker before its merger with Tesco – was diagnosed after an operation to remove his tonsils in April.
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Tesco said he had been undergoing daily radiotherapy in May and June and was responding well to treatment.
However, Wilson will now step down from his role due to the illness and “the need for Charles to remain vigilant in his recuperation”.
Wilson will remain on the Tesco executive committee, and will focus on the Booker business.
Jason Tarry, currently Tesco’s group chief product officer, will become the chief executive of Tesco UK.
Meanwhile, Andrew Yaxley, currently chief executive of Tesco in Ireland, will step up to the role of group chief product officer and will join Tesco’s executive committee.
Wilson was at the helm of Booker since 200 and had been tipped by industry experts to replace Dave Lewis as Tesco group chief executive.
His resignation comes after Tesco announced it would form a “strategic alliance” with French retailer Carrefour as part of efforts to cut prices and boost competitiveness.
In June, Tesco reported its 10th consecutive quarter of sales growth, boosted by its acquisition of Booker.
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