Matt Atkinson, Co-op

Atkinson has spent almost four years at the Co-op

Co-op chief customer and membership officer Matt Atkinson is set to step down from the business at the end of June 2021.

Atkinson joined Co-op in 2017 and was charged with transforming the society’s data, digital, membership and community platforms. Co-op said he had also made an important commercial contribution in helping to create a new insurance distribution business and exiting the Co-op health venture.

His departure will see Ali Jones, customer & community director and Charlotte Lock, data & loyalty director, report directly through to Co-op CEO Steve Murrells. Lock will also pick up the additional responsibility for digital products and will also report into CFO Shirine Khoury-Haq.

“Matt has played a major role in galvanising and repositioning our Co-op over the past four years and we owe him a huge debt of thanks for his co-operative approach and leadership during this time,” said Murrells.

“We are saying goodbye to a great friend of the movement and we wish him well for the future.”

The Grocer understands Atkinson, who was also formerly chief marketing officer at Tesco, made the decision to step down having achieved his goals and will be taking some time before deciding on his next project

Atkinson said: “The past four years have seen the Co-op continue to grow and regain its purpose as a differentiated business that clearly creates value with values at its core. I’m proud of the contribution I’ve been able to make and I’m leaving behind some incredible memories and a fantastic team. The Co-op is a special business and will always have a special place in my heart.”