Co-op has appointed Alex Dower as its new retail MD.
He will be focused on accelerating Co-op’s food retail growth, strengthening the customer proposition, and supporting innovation across stores and digital channels.
Dower would also continue to deliver value for members while remaining true to Co-op’s purpose and values, the convenience retailer added.
He joins Co-op with more than two decades of senior leadership experience spanning food retail, convenience, hospitality and fmcg, including at Tesco, Holland & Barrett, Pret a Manger, Harrods, Woolworths Australia, Mars and Pepsico.
Throughout his career, Co-op said Dower had successfully led complex transformations in customer-facing businesses operating at scale.
At Holland & Barrett, where he was CEO international, he built high-performing teams, step-changed the own-brand product proposition and improved operational effectiveness, resulting in sustained sales and profit growth, Co-op added.
During his time as CCO at Woolworths Australia, Dower led a major transformation of the retailer’s fresh food offer, developing new customer propositions, price and promotional strategies and partnerships that delivered significant business growth.
Co-op said his appointment came at “an exciting time” for its retail business as it continued to maintain business momentum, alongside its other food and life services’ business channels.
In his new role, Dower will be responsible for one of the UK’s largest convenience retailers, with over 2,300 stores, a fast-growing quick-commerce operation and an annual turnover in excess of £7.25bn.
“Alex brings a wealth of experience and a passion for building successful customer-focused businesses, in ways that make a meaningful difference to customers’ everyday lives,” said Co-op Group interim CEO Kate Allum.
“His personal values and leadership approach are fully aligned with our Co-op and I’m excited about the impact he will have in driving our food retail business forwards.”
Dower added: “I’m delighted to be joining Co-op at such an important time for the business. Co-op stores are woven into communities across the UK, and I’m looking forward to working with our fantastic colleagues to make it even more relevant to members and customers every day.
“Co-op’s purpose and values are what set it apart, and I’m excited to build upon the strong foundations already in place, accelerating growth and innovation, while staying true to what makes Co-op so special.”
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