The Co-operative Group has announced that Debbie White will become its new Chair, replacing Allan Leighton, who will step down in February 2024 after a nine-year term.
White’s previous roles have included Chief Executive of Interserve and Global CEO for healthcare and government at Sodexo. More recently, she has held a number of Non-Executive roles, including Senior Independent Director at Spire Healthcare Group, Howden Joinery Group, and PAVmed.
“Debbie is the ideal person to take our Co-op forwards over the coming years,” said Leighton. “She has extensive business experience across a range of sectors and I’m personally delighted that she will join us at this exciting time, as our Co-op focuses on recruiting a million new members and providing top class products and services for our members and customers.”
Shirine Khoury-Haq, the group’s Chief Executive, added: “She has a proven track record, a commitment to our Co-op values and principles, and is a role model for championing diversity and inclusion. She is a perfect fit for our Co-op.”
Meanwhile, White said: “The Co-op is the original business with purpose, with ambitious plans to grow further in the coming years, and I’m excited by the prospect of being a part of a business which exists to meet the needs of its members.”
Back in April, the Co-op warned that the “turbulent” economic headwinds, including inflationary pressures, were likely to dampen its profitability in the year ahead.
Progressing Pure Convenience with Co-op in Manchester
Find out what makes a great supplier partnership with Co-op, hear from the leadership team and pre-book 1-2-1 meetings with the Co-op buying teams at the event…view the latest programme
