Co-operative Group appoints first independent non-executive chair
Co-operative Group appoints first independent non-executive chair
The Co-operative Group has appointed Allan Leighton as the society’s first independent non-executive chair of the company, under the reformed governance structure.
Allan Leighton: Co-op’s new non-executive chair
Leighton will be responsible for leading The Co-operative Group through a period of rebuilding and will complete the establishment of the new board, designed to ensure greater professionalism and a stronger oversight.
“I am delighted and privileged to be taking up this role,” Leighton, former chief executive of Asda, said of his appointment. “I look forward to working with our members, customers and colleagues as we continue the crucial work to rebuild The Co-operative Group and restore it to its rightful place at the heart of communities up and down the UK.”
Sir Christopher Kelly, The Co-operative Group’s senior independent non-executive director, said: “The appointment of our first independent non-executive chair is a highly significant moment for The Co-operative Group. We are delighted to have a figure of Allan’s experience and standing to head our reformed governance structure.”
Leighton will assume his role with immediate effect, taking over from Ursala Lidbetter.
