Booker has appointed Pete Bexton as director of trading for its Beers, Wines and Spirits division and will now be leading the trading and sourcing strategy within both the on-and off-trade.
Bexton has spent 17 years in senior positions at Tesco, with 15 of these within alcoholic drinks. His most recent role was category director, and he will now lead a team of 22 and report to commercial director Sheila Gallagher.
Booker-owned Venus Wine and Spirits Merchants recently announced a depot opening in Birmingham this summer, which follows the facility the company opened in Greater Manchester earlier in 2025. Booker acquired the wholesaler in June last year and has a strategy to bolster its on-trade beverage portfolio and grow its presence within wholesale and hospitality across UK regions.
Read more: Venus Wine and Spirits Merchants continues UK expansion with Birmingham opening
Bexton says: “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.
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.
“Pete’s position will allow Neil Jewsbury to focus on his role as Managing Director at Venus Wines and Spirits, which we acquired in June 2024. Venus is a core part of our drinks offering, supporting the on-trade with premium wines, spirits and beers.”
