Co-op Wholesale has appointed Martin Swadling to a newly created role of customer director, as it looks to strengthen its delivery proposition and accelerate growth.

A veteran of the retail and wholesale sector and former customer director at Booker, Swadling brings more than 30 years’ experience to the role, including senior leadership roles at Londis, Premier, Musgrave and Grand Metropolitan Foods.

At Booker, he oversaw customer strategy and previously led Londis and Premier to record growth, securing major forecourt partnerships and expanding their national footprint.

The convenience wholesale giant said, in his new role, Swadling is to head up customer strategy and delivery operations across Co-op Wholesale’s logistics and warehouse network, with a focus on building an efficient delivery model, suited to its partners’ requirements.

“Martin brings extensive industry knowledge and a proven track record in building strong customer propositions and leading complex operations,” said Co-op Wholesale managing director Katie Secretan.

Subscribe to Grocery Gazette for free

Sign up here to get the latest grocery and food news each morning

“His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen our supply chain, enhance service for partners, and deliver on our growth ambitions.”

Swadling added: “The transformative journey Co-op Wholesale has been on in recent times has been clear for all to see. I’m excited to join the team at such a pivotal time, helping to build on its operational strengths and develop a delivery network that’s truly fit for the future.”

The appointment follows a period of rapid growth for Co-op Wholesale as it expands its B2B partnerships across retail, forecourt and travel channels.

Last month, Co-op Wholesale signed a new five-year contract with forecourt operator Ascona Group, securing grocery supply for its 62 sites across the UK.

A week later, the buisness extended its partnership with Roadchef to supply 31 WHSmith stores at motorway service areas nationwide.