Former Co-op Food managing director Matt Hood has been appointed managing director – commercial & brand development at Boparan Holdings and Boparan Private Office.
Hood announced in June that he would be stepping down from his role at Co-op after 13 years with the business. He will remain with Co-op until October to support the handover before taking up his new position at Boparan in January 2027.
Hood joins Boparan after more than 20 years in senior leadership roles across UK grocery retail and food manufacturing, including positions at Co-op and Tesco.
His experience spans commercial buying, own-brand sourcing, brand development and board-level retail strategy. At Boparan, he will report to president Ranjit Boparan and join the senior executive team.
Hood will lead the commercial and brand development agenda across Boparan Holdings’ food manufacturing businesses and consumer brands. His remit will cover customer and channel strategy, sales, customer and supplier partnerships, product innovation, procurement, supply chain and logistics.
Ranjit Boparan said Hood’s experience would support the group’s “NextGen strategy”, while strengthening its relationships with customers and its food supply chain.
“I am delighted Matt has chosen to join us at this pivotal time,” said Boparan. “He has operated at the highest level in UK food and retail, and understands the relationship between customers, retailers and food manufacturers.
“I am confident he will provide strong commercial and brand leadership across our portfolio, supporting our NextGen strategy, strengthening how we serve customers and helping secure a sustainable food supply chain for future generations.”
Hood said he had worked with Boparan’s businesses for many years as a strategic customer and had seen their customer relationships and product capabilities develop.
“I am excited by the opportunity to help build on that,” he said.
“I look forward to getting to know the business from the inside, working closely with both customers and suppliers, exploring focused innovation-led growth opportunities, and unlocking untapped potential across the portfolio.”