Was: CEO for The Co-operative Group
Now: Chairman for Skillsmart Retail
Years in grocery: 17

Career background: Martin Beaumont was chief executive at The Co-operative Group between 2002 and 2007, having previously been CEO of United Co-operatives for 10 years. He is also a former partner at KPMG, where he specialised in management consultancy.

Biggest achievements: At the helm of The Co-operative Group, Beaumont reshaped the society’s business, expanding its food and pharmacy offer as well as developing and introducing a new brand and membership proposition with the return of the famous Co-op dividend. He handed over the reins to current CEO Peter Marks in May 2007 when The Co-op Group and United Co-op merged.

What has he be up to since? “I’ve definitely been busy since I left The Co-op,” he says. “I work with Skillsmart Retail because I am passionate about raising skills levels within the sector and improving retail’s reputation as an employer. I wanted to put my energy into helping those in the sector fulfil their ambition and potential.” He’s also chairman of Kind Consumer, which has the technology for a smokeless cigarette, and chairman of Chester Race Company - the oldest racecourse in the country.

What do you miss about grocery? “I’m privileged to still be heavily involved in the sector and I still get a buzz every time I walk into a grocery store,” Beaumont says.

But will he come back? “I wouldn’t return in an executive capacity,” he admits. “But being able to act as an adviser and help a variety of businesses is exciting and challenging.”

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