Booker appoints Pete Bexton as BWS director of trading

Booker has appointed Pete Bexton as director of trading for beers, wines and spirits.

His appointnment will allow Neil Jewsbury, who previously performed this role, to focus on his job as managing director of Venus Wines and Spirits, which Booker acquired in June 2024.

Bexton (pictured) will be responsible for overseeing trading and sourcing, playing a key role in implementing Booker’s beers, wines and spirits (BWS) growth strategy in the on-trade and off-trade.

He joins the business after 17 years in senior positions at Tesco, with 15 of these within alcoholic drinks. His most recent role was category director for prepared foods, and he has expertise in strategic category management, range optimisation and customer experience enhancement.

Reporting to Booker’s commercial director Sheila Gallagher, Bexton will be responsible for a team of 22.

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

“We’ve set ambitious growth targets and I’m confident we can take Booker to the next level.”

Gallagher added: “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.”