Ben Reid, Midcounties

Midcounties boss Ben Reid has welcomed on board Mark Wilson

Midcounties Co-operative Society has named Mark Wilson as the new group general manager for its food business.

Wilson joins from Waitrose where he worked for 23 years, most recently as director of retail operations for the north. He has also worked for Liberata and British Rail.

In his new role he will be responsible for Midcounties’ 240 supermarkets and c-stores, taking over from deputy CEO Andy Cresswell who will concentrate on developing the broader business. “It was fantastic working for Waitrose but the opportunity presented by Midcounties was irresistible,” Wilson said.

Midcounties CEO Ben Reid (pictured) said Wilson had “an innovative approach to food retailing, which I’m sure will come to the fore as we develop the business even further”.

The two businesses also operate in a like-minded way - both have strong values and principles and we work for the thousands of people who co-own the business. These similarities mean Mark can make a smooth transition into our business and will be able to make an immediate impact.”