A direct transformation of aryl esters to secondary benzylic alcohols via tandem Ni-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of aromatic 2-pyridyl esters with alkyl zinc reagents and carbonyl group reduction by Ni-H species is achieved. Preliminary mechanistic studies reveal that the Ni-H species is generated in situ via β-hydride elimination of the Negishi reagents. The reaction is catalyzed by bench-stable nickel salts under mild conditions with wide functional group tolerance.