Waitrose director for buying Paul Walker is to become responsible for the whole fresh category as Heather Jenkins retires.
Walker, who has been with Waitrose for 30 years, will take on the additional role from Monday 9 October, reporting to commercial director Rupert Thomas.
Retaining his current job title of ‘director of buying for fresh’, Walker will now head up buying for meat, poultry, fish, frozen food and dairy, as well as taking on responsibility for agricultural strategy.
The new areas are in addition to his existing roles in fruit, veg and horticultural produce, meal solutions, bakery, and food to go.
“I am excited to take on this role and, backed by a fantastic team here at Waitrose, looking forward to working with our suppliers, farmers and others,” he said.
Heather Jenkins leaves Waitrose after 37 years with the business. Thomas said: “Heather has made an enormous contribution to Waitrose, building fantastic relationships with the farming community and helping us to lead the grocery sector in this area.
“In Paul we’ve appointed exactly the right person to develop our agricultural strategy and take it forward.”
