Co-op has announced a reshuffle of its food leadership team alongside the creation of a new chief commercial officer role following the departure of three senior executives.

Group managing director Matt Hood, commercial director for fresh and chilled Nicole Tallant, and commercial director for strategy and supplier relationships Tom Bradley will all leave the retailer to take up roles outside the food retail sector.

Co-op said the trio will remain with the business for several months to support a managed handover and help deliver Co-op's ongoing strategy.
As part of the leadership changes, Co-op has promoted its current chief procurement officer, Imran Rasul, to the newly created position of chief commercial officer. Rasul will take overall responsibility for the retailer's commercial function.

The appointment forms part of a wider restructuring of Co-op Food's leadership team, which separates the retailer's commercial and logistics operations. Rather than operating under a single Group commercial and logistics function, commercial and supply chain will become standalone functions.

Rasul will lead the commercial team, while supply chain and logistics director Andy Wilmot will continue to oversee logistics. Both executives will report directly to Interim group chief executive Kate Allum.

Confirming the changes, Allum thanked the departing executives for their contribution to the business.

"I'm pleased that all three will remain with us for some months to ensure a well-managed transition, maintain stability and continue to help deliver our strategy."
She added that the three leaders had made "a significant contribution" to Co-op's food business and the wider organisation and said they would be "greatly missed" by colleagues.

Commenting on Rasul's appointment, Allum said: "I am delighted to announce the appointment of Imran Rasul to the newly created role of chief commercial officer. Imran is currently our chief procurement officer and will now bring his considerable expertise to oversee commercial for both goods for resale (GFR) and goods not for resale (GNFR)."

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