Lincolnshire Co-op has appointed Karen Bennett as its new chief people officer, and is promoting Andy Warman to the newly created role of chief transformation officer.
Bennett, who will join the community retailer on 1 September, is currently senior director of people services at Asda, where she has led the colleague lifecycle from hire to retire, as well as HR process and simplification for the business.
In her new role as chief people officer, Bennett will oversee HR, talent and acquisition, learning & development and engagement, and will spearhead a new people and culture strategy.
“Lincolnshire Co-op is at an exciting point in its long history; there are ambitious growth plans which go hand in hand with the society’s purpose of making life better in local communities,” said Bennett.
“I’m delighted to be coming on board as this commitment to a values-driven way of doing business resonates with me personally, especially as I live in the local area and can see the difference the Co-op makes.”
Warman, who has served as Lincolnshire Co-op’s head of strategy and transformation for the past two years, previously worked at Wilko in roles including head of supply chain, and head of sales and operational planning.
He then consulted on several high-impact transformation programmes for major retailers, focusing on technology-driven change and strategic planning.
His new role as chief transformation officer will include leading the convenience retailer’s IT and digital functions and project management of transformation initiatives, as well as overseeing strategic property development.
Warman said: “Co-op’s purpose is making life better in our communities. There are few roles where you can make such a meaningful, local impact at scale, especially within the area in which you grew up.
“I’m especially passionate about how we can harness technology and our inspiring colleagues to strengthen the society’s ability to deliver on its purpose, especially within areas like healthcare and housing – two of the most pressing societal needs today.”
Both roles will be integral to delivering the society’s Purpose Beyond Profit 2030 business strategy, which includes developing its foundational infrastructure and investing in schemes to ensure long-term sustainability, including exploring new opportunities in healthcare and housing.
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