Co-op Group has named the former boss of outsourcing group Interserve, Debbie White, as its next chair, replacing Allan Leighton, who is set to step down from the role in February 2024.
White became involved in the government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, playing a major role in establishing the network of testing centres that formed part of the government’s response to the unfolding crisis.
She is expected to join the group’s board as an independent non-executive director next month before taking on the role of chair.
Leighton departs as he nears the end of his 9-year term.
At the helm of Britain’s biggest mutual, White will become just the second female chair in the grocer retailer’s near 180-year history.
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White currently sits on various public company boards, including Howden Joinery Group and Spire Healthcare. Her previous roles include running the UK arm of contract caterer Sodexo as well as BT Group.
Co-op Group chair Allan Leighton said: “Debbie is the ideal person to take our Co-op forwards over the coming years. 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.
“Over the past 9 years our Co-op has regained its financial strength but it has never lost sight of its wider social commitments and responsibilities by delivering value to our member-owners. Under Debbie’s leadership I have every confidence that our Co-op will continue to grow and to deliver against these commitments.”
Chief executive Shirine Khoury-Haq added that it’s “testament to the strength and future potential” of the grocer that it can “attract someone of Debbie’s calibre”.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with her as we embark on another exciting chapter in our Co-op’s 180 year history,” Khoury-Haq said.
“[Debbie] 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.”
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