Wilko MD Alison Hands appointed new CEO of Lincolnshire Co-op

Lincolnshire Co-op has announced the appointment of Alison Hands as its new chief executive.

Currently serving as the managing director of retail chain Wilko, Hands will join the co-operative in April 2023.

Hands has over 33 years’ experience in a diverse mix of retail environments, including Marks and Spencer, The Body Shop, Walgreens Boots Alliance and Boots Opticians. At Wilko, she has been trading director and commercial execution director, before taking the mantle as managing director.

She will succeed Ursula Lidbetter who announced her retirement in March this year after 37 years with Lincolnshire Co-op, 18 of those as its chief executive. Lidbetter will retire at the end of December.

Chief financial officer Steve Galjaard, who has been with Lincolnshire Co-op for 21 years, will become acting chief executive officer alongside his current role, ensuring a smooth transition.

“Under Ursula’s expert leadership, our society has flourished. She’s overseen our busy programme of work throughout 2022 and will be retiring leaving Lincolnshire Co-op in a great position for the future,” David Cowell, chair of the society, said.

“We welcome Alison to the society with the knowledge she will continue this good work and help us move forward. She brings a wealth of experience and insight, as well as a deep understanding of bricks and mortar retail and what that means to customers. She’s also passionate about our purpose and values.

“I’d like to thank Ursula, my fellow board of directors, the senior leadership team and our colleagues for supporting this process.”

Ursula Lidbetter said: “I’ve served the society for nearly a quarter of our 161 years. Now feels the right time to pass the baton on.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how Lincolnshire Co-op develops under Alison’s leadership, working alongside the great team we have in place.”

Alison Hands said: “I’m honoured to be joining this values-driven organisation, which continues to build on its success, whilst delivering its purpose to make life better in communities.

“I’m excited to be charged with leading the society through the next phase of its development, as we collectively tackle the challenges of the current external environment.”