// Co-op marketing director Ali Jones leaves role after five years
// Transformation director Joe Kessler is replacing Jones on an interim basis
Co-op marketing boss Ali Jones has stepped down from the business after five years in the role.
Jones joined the grocer in January 2018 and has not said what her next role will be, but “it is time for a new challenge”.
Meanwhile, transformation director Joe Kessler is replacing Jones as Co-op’s customer and marketing function on an interim basis.
Prior to his last 14 years of business transformation positions, Kessler held senior marketing roles at Zurich Insurance, financial distribution network Openwork and Farmers Insurance USA.
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Jones reported into chief customer and membership officer Matt Atkinson when she first joined.
When Atkinson left the business in March last year, both Jones and former data and loyalty director Charlotte Lock began reporting directly to then-CEO Steve Murrells.
Jones has also worked in senior marketing positions at Debenhams, former fashion giant Arcadia Group, Marks & Spencer and Woolworths in Australia.
“It’s been hugely exciting to broaden Co-op’s appeal, bringing increased energy and relevance to our brand and especially in attracting more younger members to the business,” Jones said.
The news of Jones’s departure comes after the launch of Co-op’s new food strategy last month, which promises a “renewed focus” on convenience and value.
The grocer plans to invest £37 million in lowering the prices of more than 100 of its own-brand grocery products from now into the new year. It also plans on increasing its franchise store network within three years, and growing its online business.
