Co-op has revealed changes to its leadership team as it enters the next phase of its expansion plans.
Jerome Saint-Marc, Co-op’s managing director for growth since November 2023, is leaving the business to pursue other opportunities.
During his tenure, he developed the retailer’s B2B capabilities and managed partnerships with Independent Co-op Societies via Federal Retail Trading Services.
Following his departure, Katie Secretan, MD of Co-op Wholesale, will report directly to CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq and join the operating board.
Additionally, Wais Shaifta, formerly an independent non-executive director at Co-op, has been appointed as the company’s new chief growth officer.
Shaifta will oversee the retailer’s strategy and corporate development team, driving growth across B2B initiatives and new ventures.
Meanwhile, Co-op’s food MD, Matt Hood, will assume the expanded role of chief commercial and logistics officer in a newly formed division. He will oversee revenue and profitability growth across multiple channels and drive new opportunities for partners and consumers.
A newly established division will oversee the servicing of Co-op stores, franchises, independent societies, and Nisa. While a replacement is being sought, the food leadership team will report directly to Group CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq.
