Lincolnshire Co-op has appointed Alison Hands, currently Managing Director at Wilko, as its new Chief Executive. She will join the society in April 2023.
Hands has over 33 years of experience in a mix of retail environments, including Marks & Spencer, The Body Shop, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and Boots Opticians. She is currently Managing Director at Wilko, having previously been Trading Director and Commercial Execution Director.
Current CEO Ursula Lidbetter announced her retirement in March this year after 37 years with Lincolnshire Co-op, 18 of those as its Chief Executive. She will retire at the end of December.
Chief Financial Officer Steve Galjaard will become Acting Chief Executive alongside his current role until Hands takes up the role.
Chair David Cowell said: “Under Ursula’s expert leadership, our society has flourished. She’s overseen our busy programme of work throughout 2022 and will be retiring leaving Lincolnshire Co-op in a great position for the future.
“We welcome Alison to the society with the knowledge she will continue this good work and help us move forward. She brings a wealth of experience and insight, as well as a deep understanding of bricks and mortar retail and what that means to customers. She’s also passionate about our purpose and values.”
Hands added: “I’m honoured to be joining this values-driven organisation, which continues to build on its success, whilst delivering its purpose to make life better in communities.
“I’m excited to be charged with leading the society through the next phase of its development, as we collectively tackle the challenges of the current external environment.”
