Tesco-owned wholesaler Booker has appointed Pete Bexton as its new director of trading for Beers, Wines and Spirits (BWS), as it looks to grow its drinks business across both retail and hospitality.

Bexton joins the food and drink foodservice wholesaler from Tesco, where he spent 17 years in senior roles, including 15 years working in alcoholic drinks. His most recent job was category director for Prepared Foods.

At Booker, Bexton will be in charge of buying and trading for the BWS division and will play a key role in delivering Booker’s drinks growth plans. The new director is to lead a team of 22 and report to Commercial Director Sheila Gallagher.

“Beers, wines and spirits is an area I feel passionate about and I’m delighted to be taking on this role,” said Bexton.

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“It’s an exciting time to join Booker as the business is on course for expansion; plus, the drinks industry is ever-changing, consumer preferences are evolving, and it’s important for us to ensure that our business decisions keep us ahead of the game.”

Gallagher said Bexton would help build on Booker’s progress in the drinks sector. She said: “Pete will be a great asset to us as we continue to strengthen our portfolio, build our reputation for supplying a breadth of quality beers, wines and spirits, and consolidate our position in the competitive but lively drinks space. ”

She added Bexton’s appointment will also allow Neil Jewsbury to fully focus on leading on-trade supplier Venus Wines and Spirits, which Booker bought in June 2024.

The new appointment comes as Venus, the acquisition of which brought over 2000 premium spirits, wines, keg, craft and packaged lagers and ciders to Booker customers, has just opened a fifth distribution centre in Birmingham.

Booker said the move is part of its wider strategy to grow its drinks presence in wholesale and the hospitality sector.