Andrew Yaxley is a name well known in the world of retail, wholesale, and corporate leadership. Over the course of more than two decades, he has built an impressive career that spans international markets, diverse business divisions, and high-level executive positions. Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Booker, the wholesale division of Tesco, Yaxley has established himself as a leader who combines commercial acumen with strategic foresight. His journey through some of the most competitive sectors in global business reflects both resilience and adaptability—qualities that continue to define his leadership.
Early Life and Professional Foundations
Before stepping into the world of Tesco, Andrew Yaxley honed his business expertise at Mars Inc., one of the most iconic consumer goods companies in the world. Spending more than a decade with Mars, he worked across sales and marketing in both domestic and international markets. This early experience gave him a strong grounding in the fast-moving consumer goods sector, where efficiency, brand management, and innovation are key.
At Mars, Yaxley learned the importance of global consumer trends, operational structures, and the value of building long-term brand loyalty. These lessons would later become essential in his leadership roles at Tesco, where customer satisfaction and product quality stand at the centre of operations.
Joining Tesco and the Path to Leadership
Andrew Yaxley joined Tesco in 2001, marking the beginning of a long and successful association with one of the largest retailers in the world. His first major role within the organisation was as Commercial Director for the Czech and Slovak divisions. This position demanded cross-cultural adaptability, knowledge of regional consumer markets, and the ability to lead teams in a highly competitive retail landscape.
His success in these international markets helped him gain recognition as a capable and visionary leader within Tesco. By 2007, he had returned to the UK to take on responsibility for Tesco’s Packaged Division, overseeing a wide range of grocery products that formed the backbone of the company’s offering.
Expanding Influence in Fresh Food and London Operations
A few years later, in 2010, Andrew Yaxley moved into leadership of Tesco’s Fresh Division, one of the most important areas of the business. Fresh produce, meats, dairy, and bakery items are at the core of daily consumer purchases, and ensuring both quality and availability was central to his success in this role. Under his leadership, Tesco strengthened its fresh food offering and improved supply chain efficiency.
By 2013, Yaxley had been appointed Managing Director of Tesco’s London operations. Running the capital’s business was a significant challenge, as London is one of the most diverse, dynamic, and demanding markets in the UK. His role required an understanding of local demographics, pricing strategies, and the delivery of customer experience in an environment where competition from other supermarkets and independent retailers is fierce.
Appointment as CEO of Tesco Ireland
In 2015, Andrew Yaxley’s career reached a new milestone when he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Tesco Ireland. This role gave him responsibility for overseeing Tesco’s operations across the entire Republic of Ireland, a market with unique consumer expectations and a strong sense of national identity in food retail.
His tenure in Ireland demonstrated his ability to navigate economic shifts, competitive pressures, and consumer demands in a way that maintained Tesco’s market position. Yaxley was also a strong advocate for sustainability and environmental responsibility, often speaking about how retailers could play a more active role in addressing climate change. His leadership combined commercial strategy with social awareness, reflecting the growing expectations placed on modern corporate executives.
Transition to Tesco UK Leadership
Following his success in Ireland, Andrew Yaxley returned to the UK in 2018 to take up the role of Chief Product Officer for Tesco UK. In this position, he was responsible for the overall product strategy, ensuring that Tesco maintained its competitive edge in terms of variety, quality, and affordability.
He also became a member of Tesco’s Executive Committee, placing him at the very centre of decision-making within the organisation. This involvement in high-level strategic planning helped shape Tesco’s direction during a period of significant change in retail, where digital transformation, online shopping, and shifting consumer habits were reshaping the industry.
Appointment as CEO of Booker
In 2020, Andrew Yaxley was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Booker, Tesco’s wholesale subsidiary. Booker is a vital part of Tesco’s broader business, serving thousands of independent retailers, caterers, and small businesses across the UK. Its mission is to provide competitive wholesale services, offering everything from groceries to fresh produce, beverages, and business essentials.
As CEO, Yaxley brought his vast retail and product expertise to the wholesale sector. His leadership at Booker focuses on innovation, efficiency, and strengthening relationships with independent retailers who rely on Booker’s supply chain to sustain their businesses. By combining Tesco’s resources with Booker’s operational strength, Yaxley has overseen strategies that enhance both organisations’ market positions.
Wider Business Roles and Responsibilities
Beyond his executive leadership at Booker, Andrew Yaxley holds directorships across several Tesco-related entities. These include Booker Group Ltd., The Big Food Group Ltd., Tesco Food Sourcing Ltd., and other subsidiaries. His influence therefore extends across the wider network of businesses that support Tesco’s operations.
He also serves on the board of Avidity Group Ltd. as a Non-Executive Director, a role that reflects his standing as a respected leader whose expertise is sought beyond Tesco itself. Additionally, Yaxley represents Tesco in its joint venture with Tata in India, further demonstrating his international focus and ability to operate in complex global markets.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Andrew Yaxley’s career reflects a leadership style built on adaptability, operational efficiency, and customer focus. Whether managing fresh produce or leading an entire national division, he has consistently prioritised quality, innovation, and long-term growth.
His background at Mars instilled in him a commercial mindset that values strong brand identity, while his years at Tesco have shown his ability to manage both scale and complexity. Yaxley also places emphasis on sustainability, responsible business practices, and the role of retail in shaping healthier and more sustainable communities.
Impact on Retail and Wholesale Industries
The impact of Andrew Yaxley’s work goes beyond Tesco and Booker. His leadership has influenced broader trends in the retail and wholesale sectors, particularly in terms of supply chain efficiency, product innovation, and the relationship between large retailers and independent businesses. Booker, under his guidance, has become a crucial partner for small businesses, offering them access to resources that help them remain competitive in a challenging marketplace.
In Ireland, his efforts to promote environmental awareness within retail operations were significant, showing that corporate leaders can play a role in climate action while still ensuring profitability. His work across multiple countries also highlights the importance of cross-cultural business leadership in today’s interconnected global economy.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Andrew Yaxley’s Leadership
As retail and wholesale continue to evolve in the face of digital transformation, shifting consumer habits, and sustainability demands, Andrew Yaxley’s role at Booker remains pivotal. His focus on operational strength, customer relationships, and responsible leadership suggests that he will continue to play a key role in shaping the future of wholesale supply and its connection with retail markets.
With the challenges of inflation, supply chain disruptions, and technological change affecting businesses worldwide, Yaxley’s experience and strategic vision position him as a leader capable of navigating uncertainty while driving growth.
Conclusion
Andrew Yaxley’s career is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and vision. From his early years at Mars to his leadership of Tesco divisions across Europe, Ireland, and the UK, he has consistently proven his ability to manage complexity and deliver results. His current role as CEO of Booker cements his position as one of the most influential figures in British retail and wholesale, shaping not only Tesco’s future but also the opportunities available to thousands of businesses that depend on Booker.
