Co-op Group CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq is to step down from her role and leave the business.
Khoury-Haq has been with Co-op for nearly seven years, including four as CEO. She will step down from the CEO role on 29 March and depart the business at a later date.
Commenting on her decision, Shirine Khoury-Haq, said: “It has been an honour to lead our Co-op as CEO. It is not only a commercial enterprise, but also deeply embedded in communities, doing right by them and our members every day. Following last year’s cyber attack, the organisation is now ready to deliver on an ambitious strategy of stabilisation and transformation. This extends beyond the timeframe I had planned for my CEO tenure, and now is the right moment to hand over to leadership that can commit to seeing the strategy through.
“I want to thank all of our Co-op colleagues and members for their support over the years. I wish this wonderful organisation success in the future and, when the transition period is over, I look forward to continuing my relationship with our Co-op as a member owner.”
Khoury-Haq will be replaced on an interim basis by Kate Allum, who is currently a Member-Nominated Director on the Co-op Group Board.
Allum will assume the interim group CEO role from 30 March, whilst a search is undertaken for a permanent successor to Khoury-Haq. Allum has served as a director on a range of boards for almost 30 years, including 20 years of experience within the food industry.
She has also held a number of non-executive directorships and is currently on the Board of Business Stream, Chair of Ballater Community Trust and Chair of The Scottish SPCA.
Commenting on her appointment, Allum said: “It is a privilege to step into the role of Interim Group CEO at such an important time for our Co-op. Ours is a business with a clear purpose, a compelling business strategy and a values-led approach to making a positive difference within the communities we serve across the UK. I look forward to working even more closely with our incredible colleagues, our members and the Board and National Members Council as we continue to strengthen our Co-op for the long-term.”
Co-op Group chair Debbie White thanked Khoury-Haq for her time in the role. “We thank Shirine for her leadership and for the significant contribution she has made to our Co-op, to our communities and to the co-operative movement during her tenure. The Board is grateful for her commitment and leadership, particularly during a challenging few years, and we wish her every success in the future.
“We are grateful to Kate in accepting this role, whilst a search begins for a permanent Group CEO to lead our Co-op. Her appointment reflects the Board’s confidence in her ability to lead with clarity, stability and purpose, while continuing to champion the interests of our members, customers and colleagues.”
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