Co-op has announced changes to its leadership team, as it moves towards a new phase of its expansion plans.

Jerome Saint-Marc, Co-op’s managing director for growth since November 2023, is departing from the business to seek other opportunities. During his time at the company, he developed the retailer’s B2B capabilities and oversaw partnerships with Independent Co-op Societies through Federal Retail Trading Services.

Following his exit, Katie Secretan, MD for Co-op Wholesale, will report directly to Co-op’s CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq and will join the operating board.

Additionally, Wais Shaifta, Co-op’s former independent non-executive director, has been appointed the new chief growth officer.

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Shaifta will manage the retailer’s strategy and corporate development team and drive growth across B2B development and ventures.

Meanwhile, Co-op’s food MD Matt Hood will work in the expanded role of chief commercial and logistics officer, a new division for the retailer. He will be responsible for increasing revenue and profitability across multiple channels and developing new opportunities for partners and consumers.

A newly formed division will handle the servicing of Co-op stores, franchises, independent societies and Nisa. The retailer is actively seeking a replacement for the role and the food leadership team will report directly to Group CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq in the interim period.