Booker boss Charles Wilson is to lead Tesco’s UK retail operations when the merger of the two businesses completes.

Current Tesco UK CEO Matt Davies is to leave the retailer at the end of April after supporting a handover to Wilson, who will become CEO of Tesco’s retail and wholesale operations in the UK and Republic of Ireland (ROI).

In January, Tesco and wholesaler Booker Group – which includes the Premier, Londis and Budgens symbol groups – announced plans to merge to create “the UK’s leading food business”. The deal is expected to complete next month.

Tesco group CEO Dave Lewis said Wilson was “ideally suited” to lead UK retail for the next phase of the business’ turnaround.

“He brings substantial commercial and retail experience and has an exceptional track record of increasing performance and driving growth in customer-focused businesses.”

Lewis also thanked Davies for his “outstanding contribution” to Tesco since joining the business in 2015.

“His values-based leadership and invaluable support have been instrumental to the significant progress we have made in the transformation of the UK & ROI business. I wish him well for the future.”