// Phil Barker appointed head of CRM and customer experience at the Co-op
// He will lead the retailer in achieving data driven value for members, customers & communities
// Barker joins from the BBC, where he was CRM lead
The Co-op has appointed Phil Barker as its new head of customer relationship management (CRM) and customer experience.
The appointment forms part of the retailer’s growth plans to its data and loyalty team, following the refresh of its membership programme and launch of the Co-op app last year.
Barker joins from the BBC where he was CRM lead, responsible for customer relationship strategy and digital engagement across all channels and services.
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With over 15 years’ in the customer experience sector, Barker lead the Co-op in developing a new data and loyalty centre of excellence – bringing data, insight, membership, CRM and customer experience together to deliver value to members, customers and communities.
“I’m looking forward to bringing my expertise to help develop their ambitious plans for membership and joined-up customer engagement across all channels and services,” Barker said.#
“Co-op’s investment in data and tech, with a real commitment to the highest standards in customer experience, has really impressed me.
“Customer experience is an incredibly exciting space to be in right now as more and more businesses recognise the value of data-driven engagements.”
Co-op data and loyalty director Charlotte Lock said: “Championing communities through the Co-op customers and members that live in them is critical to our vision of Co-operating for a Fairer World.
“We can do that even more effectively by building meaningful relationships and rewarding experiences.
“We’re thrilled Phil is joining the team as his passion for insight and creativity really stood out coupled with a fantastic track record of leading teams to deliver rewarding customer journeys.”
The appointment follows the relaunch of the Co-op’s membership offering and launch of its digital membership app in 2020 to 4.3 million members.
The greater use of digital insight enables tailored offers, engagements and benefits for members, while doubling funds being given to community groups.
To date, more than one million Co-op members have downloaded the digital membership app, while two million members have selected a local cause to support through membership.
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