Chris is first non-family board member

The company, which opened its first shop in Blackpool in 1847, has promoted chief operating officer Chris Dee to the role.

Mr Dee, who has been with the business for 20 years, will lead Booths through the largest store opening programme in its history.

The roll-out began with Barrowford in December, and Hale Barns in south Manchester will open in April, followed by stores in Burscough, St Annes and Poulton later this year.

Mr Dee joined the business in 1995 as the wines and spirits buyer, becoming trading director in 2009 and chief operating officer in 2012.

In a further move, Mike Thomson has been promoted to the company’s operating board as estates director.

Mr Thomson joined Booths in 2004, after a variety of roles in construction and civil engineering.

Meanwhile supply chain director Simon Booth and Graham Booth (property director) will leave the operational board this year, but remain on the family board.

Edwin Booth remains Chairman of both boards.

He said, “I have tremendous confidence in Chris Dee to continue to grow and develop the business.

“He has the vision, and crucially, the ability to share that vision and inspire others to follow him.”