The Co-op chair Debbie White has decided to step down from the business.
White joined the board in 2023, before becoming chair the following year. She has led the board while the society navigated a “significant period of change and challenge”, including last year’s cyberattack, Co-op said.
The Co-op board has accepted White’s decision to step down and will begin the process of appointing a permanent successor, it added.
Moni Mannings, who is senior independent director at Co-op Group, has taken on the role of interim chair.
“It has been a privilege to serve as chair of our Co-op during a period which has brought both opportunity and challenge for our businesses,” said White. “Despite a variety of headwinds facing our businesses, and the impact of last year’s malicious cyberattack, it is clear that the actions that we have taken are having a positive impact and will ensure we have the strong foundations to deliver on our vision and strategy.
“As our position strengthens, and with the process to appoint a permanent group CEO underway, I feel that it is the right time to step down as chair as I near the end of my first term on the board, as I am not in a position to commit to a further three-year term as chair at this time. My stepping down will enable this crucial appointment to be made by Moni and fellow board members, who will continue to steer the business through this important period.”
“My decision has been made easier knowing that our Co-op is back in a position of stability and opportunity. Under the leadership of interim CEO Kate Allum, supported by a highly capable leadership team, board and council, the organisation is well placed to continue building momentum and delivering for its members and customers.
“I would like to thank my fellow board members, council members and colleagues across the Co-op for their support, dedication and commitment. I wish Kate, Moni and everyone connected with the Co-op every success for the future. I will continue to follow the Co-op with great fondness and pride as a co-operator.”
Manning added: “Debbie has provided unwavering commitment and valuable counsel to the Co-op during her time as chair. On behalf of the board, council, leadership team and colleagues across the Co-op, I would like to thank her for her significant contribution and wish her every success in the future.
“I will seek to build on Debbie’s contribution to our Co-op as I take on the role of interim chair. Our Co-op remains focused on delivering upon its strategic priorities, serving its members, customers, colleagues and partners, and building an even stronger business for the future.”
White’s exit follows a series of departures at the Co-op Group over the past year, including former CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq in March. Since then, Group MD Matt Hood announced he was stepping down in June, along with commercial director for fresh and chilled Nicole Tallant and Tom Bradley, commercial director for strategy and supplier relationships.
As a result of the departures, Co-op made leadership changes to its controversial new group commercial and logistics division under Hood. His role was split, with chief commercial officer Imran Rasul leading commercial and supply chain under the division, and logistics director Andy Wilmot leading logistics. Both Rasul and Wilmot will report into Allum.
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