Co-op has appointed Andy Wilmot to take on the role of group supply chain and logistics director at Co-op Food and the group commercial and logistics, effective in April.

He succeeds Derek Furnival, who is leaving the convenience retailer’s leadership team in June after serving for 30 years.

Wilmot brings over 30 years of retail experience to the position, having recently worked as group logistics and supply chain director at A.F. Blakemore & Son.

As part of his previous roles, he worked within the DHL supply chain as operations director on a number of different contracts.

Subscribe to Grocery Gazette for free

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

Wilmot said: “Moving to the front line of retail logistics and supply chain is something I’m really excited and passionate about, and I can’t wait to start as I take my experience and knowledge from previous roles to Co-op.

“Retail supply chains and logistic networks are complex environments and the backbone of retail operations, even more so at Co-op, which services 8000 stores across its retail, wholesale and partnership setup.”

This appointment comes after the c-store retailer’s managing director, Chris Conway, left the position after 8 years last week.

As part of his new role, he will be responsible for strengthening the commercial abilities of the buying team and managing supply and logistics operations.