The Co-op Group has announced today (10 August) that Debbie White has decided to step down as chair and member of the board. Moni Mannings, senior independent director, has been appointed interim chair.
White joined the Group in 2023 and was made chair in 2024, taking over from Allan Leighton. Before that, she held a series of executive and non-executive roles, including group chief executive of Interserve and global CEO for healthcare and government at Sodexo, and senior independent director at Spire Healthcare Group, Howden’s Joinery Group and PAVmed Inc.
Related: 2024 interview with Debbie White
“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,” she said. “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.”
White added that with the process to appoint a permanent Group CEO under way following the departure of Shirine Khoury-Haq earlier this year, it was the “right time to step down as chair”, as she was nearing the end of her first term and “not in a position to commit to a further three-year term … at this time”. The move means she will also be stepping down as chair of the government’s Mutual and Co-operative Sector Business Council
She added: “My stepping down will enable this crucial appointment to be made by Moni and fellow board members, who will continue to steer the business through this important period.
“My decision has been made easier knowing that our Co-op is back in a position of stability and opportunity. Under the leadership of Interim CEO Kate Allum, supported by a highly capable leadership team, board and council, the organisation is well placed to continue building momentum and delivering for its members and customers.
“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.”
The Group’s board has now begun the process of appointing a permanent successor.
Interim chair Mannings joined the Group as an independent non-executive director and senior independent director in January 2024, bringing with her over 30 years of experience in legal practice as a banking and finance lawyer. She has held non-executive director roles at several major companies, is the independent chair of the Honours Diversity and Outreach Committee and founded EPoC, a network promoting people of colour on boards. She was awarded the OBE in 2024.
She 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.”
