Geoff Byrne named Booker Group CEO as Andrew Yaxley returns to lead Tesco Ireland and Northern Ireland

Geoff Byrne has been appointed chief executive of the Booker Group, the wholesale arm of Tesco, effective 31 August. In a reciprocal move, Andrew Yaxley will take over as chief executive of Tesco Ireland and Northern Ireland, succeeding Byrne. Both executives will remain members of the Tesco Group Executive Committee.

Byrne previously led Tesco Ireland and Northern Ireland, overseeing growth and investment across the island. Yaxley, who previously served as Tesco Ireland’s CEO from 2015‑2018 and later as chief product officer for the group, returns to the role after a stint as Booker’s chief executive. Tesco Group chief executive Ken Murphy highlighted the swaps as part of the company’s talent‑development strategy, emphasizing the leaders’ experience and the businesses’ strong momentum.

The leadership changes are intended to build on recent market‑share gains and to continue serving customers and communities throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland.