Co-op chair Debbie White steps down with Moni Mannings becoming interim chair
Co-op Group chair Debbie White has decided to step down from her position and as a member of the board, due to being unable to commit to a further three-year term.
She has been replaced by Moni Mannings, senior independent director, who has taken up the role on an interim basis.
Subscribe to TRBWhite joined the Co-op board in 2023 and was appointed chair in 2024. Since then, she has led the organisation through a period of change and challenges, including last year’s cyber-attack.
In June, it emerged that Co-op Group managing director Matt Hood was leaving the business, as was Nicole Tallant, food trading director, and Tom Bradley, commercial and logistics strategy director.
And in March, Co-op confirmed that Shirine Khoury-Haq had decided to step down after four years as group chief executive, and would be succeeded by Kate Allum on an interim basis until a permanent appointment was made.
“Despite a variety of headwinds facing our businesses, and the impact of last year’s malicious cyber-attack, it is clear that the actions that we have taken are having a positive impact and will ensure we have the strong foundations to deliver on our vision and strategy.
“As our position strengthens, and with the process to appoint a permanent group CEO underway, I feel that it is the right time to step down as chair as I near the end of my first term on the board, as I am not in a position to commit to a further three-year term as chair at this time.”
She added: “I would like to thank my fellow board members, council members and colleagues across the Co-op for their support, dedication and commitment. I wish Kate, Moni and everyone connected with the Co-op every success for the future. I will continue to follow the Co-op with great fondness and pride as a co-operator.”
Having accepted White’s decision, Co-op has now begun the process of appointing a permanent successor
Mannings said: “Debbie has provided unwavering commitment and valuable counsel to the Co-op during her time as chair. On behalf of the board, council, leadership team and colleagues across the Co-op, I would like to thank her for her significant contribution and wish her every success in the future.
“I will seek to build on Debbie’s contribution to our Co-op as I take on the role of interim chair. Our Co-op remains focused on delivering upon its strategic priorities, serving its members, customers, colleagues and partners, and building an even stronger business for the future.”
