Southern Co-operative announces new chief operating officer of food retail

The Southern Co-operative has appointed Simon Eastwood to its leadership team, in the role of chief operating officer of food retail, effective from 14 March. Mr Eastwood joins...

The Southern Co-operative has appointed Simon Eastwood to its leadership team, in the role of chief operating officer of food retail, effective from 14 March.

Mr Eastwood joins the organisation from Morrisons, where he held a number of senior positions, including commercial director group services and operations director of Kiddicare. He was previously regional director for the south of England.

“The Southern Co-operative is an amazing business and this is a great time to be joining a growing, ethically-led independent retailer,” he said.

The appointment follows a successful trading period for the society, which saw an increase of 4.7% in like-for-like sales and a total sales increase of 5.4% across the 3 weeks to 3 January 2016. Southern has around 250 community stores and funeral branches across Berkshire, Bristol, Devon, Dorset, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex and Wiltshire.

“We are delighted to welcome Simon to The Southern Co-operative team,” said Mark Smith, chief executive of Southern. “His breadth of retail experience and understanding of the food market across the south of England will make a significant contribution to continuing the success of our food business.”

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