LONDON, UK: The Co-operative Group (Co-op) has announced that Debbie White will become its new Chair in February 2024, succeeding Allan Leighton who will step down after nine years in the role.

Debbie has a wealth of business experience across various sectors, having held senior executive roles at Interserve and Sodexo. She also serves as a Non-Executive Director at Spire Healthcare Group, Howden’s Joinery Group and PAVmed.

Allan Leighton said that Debbie was the ideal person to lead the Co-op in the coming years, as the group aims to recruit a million new members and provide top class products and services. He praised Debbie’s track record, commitment to Co-op values and principles, and role model for diversity and inclusion.

Shirine Khoury-Haq, Group Chief Executive, said that she was looking forward to working closely with Debbie as they embark on another exciting chapter in the Co-op’s 180-year history. She also thanked Allan for his enormous support and incredible turnaround of the Co-op over the past nine years.

Debbie White said that she was delighted and privileged to take up the role, and that she was excited by the prospect of being part of a business that exists to meet the needs of its members and wider society. She said that the Co-op was the original business with purpose, with ambitious plans to grow further in the coming years.

Debbie is expected to join the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director in August 2023 before taking on the role of Chair in February 2024.

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