Wilson (pictured), 52, replaces Matt Davies in the retail post while also remaining as head of the cash & carry/wholesale side.

Wilson, who first became a director of Booker in 1998, left to enjoy an extensive career in the retail trade with Arcadia Group, parent company of Burton, and with Marks & Spencer. He later rejoined Booker, becoming chief executive in 2005.

Earlier he worked in manufacturing with Procter & Gamble. His career also included a spell as a consultant with OC&C Strategy and as a director of the now dissolved Abberton Associates.

At M&S, he was a close colleague of Stuart Rose, who preceded Wilson as Booker chief executive, overseeing the merger of the company with Iceland to form the Big Food Group.