UK and Ireland Tesco CEO Charles Wilson announced his resignation on Tuesday, in order to deal with his cancer diagnosis.

He will remain on Tesco’s executive committee and lead the integration of the recently-acquired wholesaler Booker. Wilson was diagnosed with throat cancer in April, and has since been undergoing daily radio therapy.

In a statement, Tesco said:

“The good news is that Charles has responded very well to the treatment and all the signs are that the treatment has been successful.

“However, given the nature of the illness and the need for Charles to remain vigilant in his recuperation, we have agreed to make the following changes to responsibilities within the senior leadership team.”

Chief product officer Jason Tarry is set to become chief executive of the UK and Ireland business and Andrew Yaxley will be promoted CEO Ireland.

Tesco (LON:TSCO) shares are currently trading down 1.08 percent on the news, at 257.10 (1009GMT).