Tesco has announced the appointment of Andrew Yaxley as chief executive of its Ireland and Northern Ireland business, a role he previously held between 2015 and 2018.

Yaxley will succeed Geoff Byrne, who is moving to become chief executive of Tesco's Booker Group. Both appointments will take effect on 31 August 2026.

Yaxley is currently chief executive of food and drink wholesaler Booker, a position he has held since 2020. He will continue to sit on Tesco's group executive committee.

He first joined Tesco in 2001 from Mars and has held a number of senior positions across the retailer. These have included commercial roles covering its Czech and Slovak businesses, leading Tesco's packaged and fresh food divisions, and managing its London business.

Yaxley was appointed CEO of Tesco Ireland in 2015, before returning to the UK in 2018 as group chief product officer.

During his previous tenure in Ireland, Tesco said Yaxley oversaw a period of growth and transformation at the business. At the time, he focused on rebuilding customer engagement, simplifying Tesco's product range and developing its sales channels, including expanding its convenience store presence and delivery services.

Tesco said the leadership changes reflect its focus on developing talent across the group and building on momentum across both the Ireland and Booker businesses.

Byrne has served as chief executive of Tesco Ireland and Northern Ireland, where he has overseen a period of sustained growth, investment and market share gains.

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