Booker appoints Stewart Gilliland as non-executive chairman

Gilliland, who joined the Booker board in December 2010, will succeed Rose following the group’s annual general meeting on July 8.

Independent non-executive director Gilliland also serves as a senior independent director of Mitchells & Butlers and Vianet. He is also a non-executive director of C&C Group and Sutton and East Surrey Water.

Gilliland formerly served as chief executive of Muller Dairies UK and Ireland and has also held senior roles at Whitbread and Interbrew.

Londis and Budgens acquisition

He will assist chief executive Charles Wilson in his bid to drive the group forward, following last month’s £40m acquisition of grocery convenience specialists Londis and Budgens from Musgrave. Booker already owns convenience fascia Premier Stores.

Gilliland said: “It will be a privilege to chair Booker. Richard Rose has been an excellent chairman.

“Booker has come a long way in the past few years and Richard has done a great job of helping to build the company and of chairing the board. We wish him all the very best in the future.”

Rose said: “Stewart’s considerable experience in both the wholesale and retail sectors is invaluable. His appointment has my full support as well as that of the board and the senior executive team, and I wish him, Charles and the team well for continued success in the future.”