Co-op Food, Nisa chiefs step down

The Co-op has announced a new leadership structure for its convenience and wholesale operations following the departures of Co-op Food and Nisa bosses.

Jo Whitfield, Co-op Food chief executive for the last five years, has decided to step down, with Matt Hood, former commercial director, replacing her.

He will serve as managing director of Co-op Food, responsible for both the commercial and operational areas of the business.

Michael Fletcher who has led Nisa, Co-op’s wholesale arm, is also stepping down from his role and Peter Batt, a former managing director of Co-op’s regional stores in the south has been appointed managing director of Nisa.

“Jo has decided that this is the right time to move on and pursue her next challenge,” Allan Leighton, Co-op Chair, said.

“During her time with us, Jo has led a re-invention of our Food business. She always put colleagues first and championed colleague safety. She leaves the Co-op with our warmest wishes and deepest thanks for everything she has delivered for our colleagues, members and customers.”

Shirine Khoury-Haq, group chief executive at Co-op, said: “I wish to express my thanks to Jo for all that she has achieved and wish her all the best in the next chapter of her career.

“I am delighted to announce that Matt is our new managing director of Co-op Food with both the commercial and operational areas reporting into him and he will ensure we remain leaders in convenience. We have an incredibly strong team, an established position to build from and the hunger and opportunity to achieve so much more in the years ahead. “

Fletcher, who joined the Co-op Food business in 2013, has given the responsibility of Nisa in January this year, following the departure of Ken Towle.

Khoury-Haq added: “Michael Fletcher is also leaving his role as Nisa CEO in early October and will then pursue a new career path, supporting multiple businesses. He leaves behind a huge legacy.

“Peter Batt will take over from Michael with immediate effect to allow a managed handover with Michael. Peter has extensive experience in retail and trading, having been our divisional managing director in the South, and brings with him both commercial and operational experience from his roles outside of Co-op.

“I have the upmost confidence that Peter will hit the ground running to support our Nisa partners.”