Tony Gudgeon is to retire as CEO of Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society early next year.

Gudgeon, who has been at the helm since 1998 and has worked in The Co-op movement for 50 years, will be replaced by deputy CEO Barry Wood, who now takes on the role of CEO designate.

It has also appointed Lisa Waghorn - a senior partner at Mcintyre Hudson - as chief financial officer, and secretarial officer Ellen Tredwin as secretary. They replace head of finance & secretary Roger Myddelton, who is also retiring.

“The retirements of Tony and Roger posed a real challenge for us because their achievements speak for themselves,” said president Pauline Dodd.