Shirine Khoury-Haq confirmed as Co-op Group CEO

Shirine Khoury-Haq has been confirmed as Co-op Group CEO, having served in the role on an interim basis since May.

It has been widely expected that the move would be made permanent, with Khoury-Haq officially becoming The Co-op’s first female group CEO. She joined the business in August 2019, having previously been COO at Lloyd’s of London for five years.

“I am proud and honoured to lead this wonderful and unique organisation,” she said. “The Co-op is the original business with purpose and I am looking forward to delivering even more on this promise, working to co-operate for a fairer world.

“There is a lot to do but we also have so much to build upon. Our Food and Life Services businesses are leaders in their markets, we have a differentiated vision and amazing Co-op colleagues, with links into communities and other co-operatives. Together, we will continue to succeed and deliver for the benefit of our members, our customers and their communities.”

Read more:

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• Co-op job losses plan linked to £47m spending cut

• Retailers highlight vacancies to Co-op staff affected by job cuts

• Co-op to cut 400 jobs amid rising cost pressures

Co-op chair Allan Leighton said: “I’m delighted that Shirine has accepted the invitation to lead and develop our Co-op into the future, tackling the challenges presented by the highly uncertain and volatile external environment.

“Shirine has proven leadership qualities and a deep level of transformational experience, and the board has been impressed by her desire to prioritise on activity that will deliver a strong financial Co-op for our members, whilst maintaining a focus on our vision and wider social commitments.”

The appointment comes at a time of change and upheaval at the Co-op’s Angel Square headquarters in Manchester.

When Khoury-Haq replaced Steve Murrells in May it coincided with Food CEO Jo Whitfield beginning a four-month career break, which she is taking to support her family during a period when her two teenage sons will be preparing for and taking key academic exams.

Earlier in the year Ken Towle, then CEO of the Co-op owned retail group Nisa, left the business to join Asda. He was replaced as Nisa CEO by Co-op chief commercial officer Michael Fletcher.

The Co-op has also kicked off the process to find a new chairman to replace Leighton, who has held the role since 2015.

It was reported in July that Khoury-Haq was implementing a round of job cuts that could affect 400 head office staff. The Grocer later revealed the cuts were linked to plans to slash spending on change and transformation projects in 2023 by £47m as part of wider cost-cutting measures.