The Co-op has named a series of leadership changes as it pushes forward with the next phase of its growth plans.
Jerome Saint-Marc, who joined the mutual in November 2023 as managing director for growth and later expanded his remit to include B2B, is set to leave the business to pursue new opportunities.
During his tenure, he oversaw Co-op’s wholesale and franchise operations, as well as its relationship with independent societies through Federal Retail Trading Services.
Following his departure, Co-op Wholesale MD Katie Secretan will now report directly to group CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq and join the retailer’s operating board.
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Meanwhile, Wais Shaifta has been appointed chief growth officer, stepping down from his role as an independent non-executive director on the group’s board.
His remit will cover Co-op’s group strategy, corporate development, B2B business development, insight, and new ventures.
In addition, Co-op Food MD Matt Hood will take on a newly created role of chief commercial and logistics officer, leading a new division that brings together the group’s commercial, buying and logistics operations.
The division will service Co-op stores, franchises, independent societies and Nisa, creating what the business describes as a “significant grocery buying group.”
A search is now underway for a new MD of food retail, with Hood’s former responsibilities temporarily reporting into Khoury-Haq.
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