A warm welcome to Matt Heslop, our new Chief Officer, Food

Hello everyone,

I hope you are keeping well.

I am delighted to announce that Matt Heslop will join OurCoop as Chief Officer, Food on Monday 14^th September.

Matt brings more than 20 years’ experience in food retail, having held senior leadership roles at Lidl UK and Ireland. Most recently, he has been Group Wholesale and Convenience Director at Morrisons, leading its wholesale and convenience operations.

During his career, Matt has led large and complex retail businesses encompassing store operations, commercial performance, supply chain and logistics. He has a strong track record of improving performance, developing customer-focused propositions and leading teams through significant change.

As Chief Officer, Food, Matt will join the OurCoop Executive team and lead the performance and future development of FoodCoop. His priorities will include delivering sustainable growth, strengthening operational performance and creating a consistently excellent experience for members and customers.

He will also focus on developing our store propositions, improving availability, delivering productivity and making the most of FoodCoop’s local and co-operative difference. This supports the direction we are setting for OurCoop, combining strong commercial performance and operational excellence with greater value for members and a clear co-operative difference.

Matt’s first priority will be to listen and learn. He will spend time meeting colleagues, visiting our stores and gaining a deeper understanding of FoodCoop and the opportunities ahead.

Matt has shared a few words ahead of joining us: “I am very pleased to be joining OurCoop at such an important time for the Society. FoodCoop stores have a strong presence in communities across the country, supported by thousands of dedicated colleagues and a distinctive co-operative purpose.

“I am looking forward to getting to know colleagues across FoodCoop and the wider Society, visiting our stores and listening to our colleagues, members and customers."

I know you will join me in giving Matt a very warm welcome when he joins OurCoop next week.

Best wishes,

Debbie