Co-op Group appoints former T&S director

THE Co-operative Group has appointed former T&S Stores director, David Turner, to spearhead its acquisition strategy for convenience stores and supermarkets.
Last year the Group consolidated its position as the UK&#039&#039s leading convenience store operator with the purchase of the Balfours chain, nine months after its high-profile acquisition of Alldays.
Mr Turner, who joins the Group as Head of Acquisitions ? Retail, is a member of the senior food retailing executive, reporting to Malcolm Hepworth, Chief Operating Officer ? Retail.
Over the last four years the Co-operative Group&#039s retail business has grown significantly ? it now boasts 1,800 food stores ? and its retail strategy has been to move out of superstores into market town and Welcome convenience stores.
Mr Turner&#039s brief is to deliver growth through acquisitions, a cornerstone of the Co-operative Group&#039s successful food retailing strategy.
He was group property director of T&S Stores when Tesco acquired the business where his responsibilities included the growth of the One Stop convenience store chain from a handful of units to 862 stores. Previous roles included a similar position at leading fashion retailer, Next.
His appointment follows the announcement that Joe Holland will retire as General Manager ? acquisitions in July.
Malcolm Hepworth commented: "David will bring extensive experience, a proven track record and skill to the task, as well as an excellent knowledge of the food retail market place."
He added: "Joe Holland has been at the forefront of our achievements on the acquisition front, notably through the recent purchase of Alldays and Balfour, and David will build upon this success."