Ocado Group has recruited Atos sales chief Nick de la Vega as its first chief revenue officer, as the business prepares for its next phase of global growth.

Effective from 19 November, the newly created role will see de la Vega lead global sales and account management across Ocado’s grocery and non-grocery divisions.

The new finance boss will be responsible for strengthening relationships with its existing partners, including 13 of the world’s leading grocers across 11 markets, while driving new commercial opportunities.

De la Vega joins from Atos, where he was SVP and head of global sales, and has previously held senior roles at Hewlett-Packard and Electronic Data Systems.

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The move comes as Ocado’s exclusivity agreements across several markets near expiry, allowing the group to expand its commercial reach beyond current retail partners.

At the same time, the online grocery giant confirmed that Ocado Intelligent Automation CEO Mark Richardson, will retire in 2026 after 25 years with the business.

A retail veteran Richardson previously served as Group COO and played a pivotal role in transforming the company from a UK online grocer into a global tech and logistics provider.

“Nick will play a critical role in taking the Ocado offer to a broader range of customers, while strengthening our partnerships worldwide,” said Ocado Group CEO Tim Steiner.

“This is also an important moment to recognise Mark Richardson’s huge contribution over the past 25 years and to thank him for the impact he has made.”