Convenience retailer Co-op has appointed former Holland & Barrett CEO Alex Dower as managing director of its retail business.

Dower has more than two decades of senior leadership experience spanning food retail, convenience, hospitality and FMCG.

He has held leadership roles at Tesco, Holland & Barrett, Pret A Manger, Harrods, Woolworths Australia, Mars and PepsiCo. Co-op stressed he has built a reputation as a leader who combines commercial success with a strong sense of purpose.

His appointment comes as Co-op’s retail business continues to maintain business momentum, alongside The Co-op Group’s other food and life services’ business channels.

Commenting on his appointment Kate Allum, interim group CEO, said: “Alex brings a wealth of experience and a passion for building successful customer-focused businesses, in ways that make a meaningful difference to customers’ everyday lives.

“His personal values and leadership approach are fully aligned with our Co-op and I’m excited about the impact he will have in driving our Food Retail business forwards. “

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In his new role Dower will be directly responsible for one of the UK’s largest convenience retailers with a store footprint in over 2,300 locations and its quick commerce operations.

Dower added: “I’m delighted to be joining Co-op at such an important time for the business. Co-op stores are woven into communities across the UK, and I’m looking forward to working with our fantastic colleagues to make it even more relevant to members and customers every day.

“Co-op’s purpose and values are what set it apart, and I’m excited to build upon the strong foundations already in place, accelerating growth and innovation, while staying true to what makes Co-op so special.”