Co-op has announced the appointments of Wais Shaifta and Lord Simon Woolley as Independent Non-Executive Directors.
Shaifta is an expert in digital growth and transformation, with experience in leading technology businesses. He is currently an independent Non-Executive Director at Reach, Snappy Shopper and the Gym Group. Previously, Shaifta was the CEO of Push Doctor, which is the largest digital partner to the NHS. Prior to that, he held leadership positions in group operations, digital tech, product, business development, M&A and international expansion at Just Eat and Treatwell.
Meanwhile, Lord Simon is a political and equalities activist, and is currently Principal of Homerton College, Cambridge and the Deputy Vice Chancellor at Cambridge University.
He co-founded Operation Black Vote, the internationally renowned campaigning NGO, working with ethnic minorities in the UK to increase understanding of civic society, participation in Parliament and public life, and to promote equality and human rights. Previously, Lord Simon served as an Equality and Human Rights Commissioner, as well as creating and leading the UK Government’s pioneering Race Disparity Unit. He currently holds an advisory role with The King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme, and is a Non-Executive Director of Police Now Ltd and Youth Futures Foundation.
The new appointments come as Lord Victor Adebowale and Rahul Powar step down from the Co-op Board.
Debbie White, Co-op Group Chair, said: “On behalf of the Co-op Board, I am delighted to welcome Simon and Wais. Both Directors bring considerable skills and expertise to the Board at an exciting time as the Co-op focuses on growing its businesses to deliver even more value to its member-owners.
“I would also like to extend the Board’s gratitude and my own personal thanks to Victor and Rahul for their significant commitment and contribution to the Co-op Group.”
