Debbie White has stepped down as chair and board member of supermarket chain The Co-op, the latest senior executive to depart this year following the major cyberattack the company faced in 2025.

White will be replaced by senior independent director Moni Mannings, who will serve as interim chair until a permanent replacement is found.

Commenting on her decision, White said: “It has been a privilege to serve as chair of our Co-op during a period which has brought both opportunity and challenge for our businesses.

“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.”

She added that she felt now was the “right time” to step down, as she is nearing the end of her first term on the board and is not in the position to commit to a further three-year term as chair.

White also praised interim chief executive Kate Allum, saying under her leadership the organisation “is well placed to continue building momentum and delivering for its members and customers”.

Although White emphasised that she was leaving Co-op on good terms, she is the fifth high-profile member of staff to depart in as many months. The group’s former chief executive, Shirine Khoury-Haq, stepped down in March after four years in post, followed by three commercial directors in June.

The latter departures were part of a wider restructuring of the cooperative’s food business which involves separating its commercial and supply chain operations into separate functions.

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