Southern Co-operative has bagged the John Lewis Partnership’s head of corporate social responsibility Gemma Lacey to head sustainability.

In a new role for Southern Co-op, Lacey will focus on reducing the environmental footprint across its 210 stores and funeral homes.

She worked at John Lewis for five years and has 15 years’ experience working in sustainability.

“The role presents an exciting opportunity, not only to develop a tailored sustainability strategy for the business but to be hands-on in implementing it,” Lacey said. “I look forward to bringing all aspects of the business together in relation to sustainability and building on our strengths.”

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