Former Booker chief executive Charles Wilson is stepping down from his role as Tesco’s UK retail and wholesale ceo after being diagnosed with throat cancer.

Wilson became a member of the Tesco board earlier this year following the completion of the merger between Tesco and Booker Wholesale in March.

He was diagnosed with cancer following an operation to remove his tonsils in April. Wilson is said to have responded well to daily radiotherapy treatment over the last few months and is expected to make a full recovery.

Wilson will remain on the Tesco Executive Committee during his recuperation and will focus on leading the Booker business. He will continue to report to Tesco ceo Dave Lewis.

Jason Tarry, currently group chief product officer for Tesco, will become the ceo of the UK & ROI business and Andrew Yaxley, currently ceo for Tesco Ireland, will be promoted to group chief product officer and join the Tesco Executive Committee. All changes will take effect on July 16.

Commenting on his illness, 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.

“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: “A big thanks to Dave, all the team in Tesco UK & ROI, Booker and the Booker customers for your support and I really look forward to working with you in the years ahead.”

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