Co-op CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq has decided to step down after four years at the retailer, and Kate Allum has been appointed as the interim group CEO.
Khoury-Haq has been chief executive of Co-op for almost seven years, with the retailer stating that she led the business through “significant transformation”, as well as the aftermath of a cyber-attack in 2025. The announcement comes following allegations of a “toxic culture” within the company, as reported by the BBC earlier this year.
Co-op said that since the cyber-attack, a multi-year strategy had been developed for Co-op’s recovery, but said the plan would “require long-term leadership” exceeding the tenure that Khoury-Haq intended at Co-op.
Khoury-Haq will step down as CEO on 29th March and will support Kate Allum during a transition period from 30th March, with her departure date to be confirmed in due course.
Allum is said to bring “extensive board-level and executive leadership experience”, with a track record of leading organisations through periods of change and transformation.
She served as a director on a range of boards for almost 30 years, with a “rich understanding” of a number of sectors including food, recycling, higher education and water. Her 20 years of experience within the food industry includes serving as chief executive of Cedo Limited and First Milk Limited, the largest UK-owned dairy co-operative.
Allum has also held a number of non-executive directorships and is currently on multiple boards, with Co-op highlighting her ability to “provide continuity and immediate focus” to drive the business through the interim period.
“Following last year’s cyber attack, the organisation is now ready to deliver on an ambitious strategy of stabilisation and transformation.”
Shirine Khoury-Haq, outgoing Co-op CEO, said: “It has been an honour to lead our Co-op as CEO. It is not only a commercial enterprise, but also deeply embedded in communities, doing right by them and our members every day. Following last year’s cyber attack, the organisation is now ready to deliver on an ambitious strategy of stabilisation and transformation. This extends beyond the timeframe I had planned for my CEO tenure, and now is the right moment to hand over to leadership that can commit to seeing the strategy through.
“I want to thank all of our Co-op colleagues and members for their support over the years. I wish this wonderful organisation success in the future and, when the transition period is over, I look forward to continuing my relationship with our Co-op as a member owner.”
Debbie White, group chair at Co-op, commented: “We thank Shirine for her leadership and for the significant contribution she has made to our Co-op, to our communities and to the co-operative movement during her tenure. The board is grateful for her commitment and leadership, particularly during a challenging few years, and we wish her every success in the future.
“We are grateful to Kate in accepting this role, whilst a search begins for a permanent group CEO to lead our Co-op. Her appointment reflects the board’s confidence in her ability to lead with clarity, stability and purpose, while continuing to champion the interests of our members, customers and colleagues.”
Kate Allum, incoming Co-op CEO, stated: “It is a privilege to step into the role of interim group CEO at such an important time for our Co-op. Ours is a business with a clear purpose, a compelling business strategy and a values-led approach to making a positive difference within the communities we serve across the UK.
“I look forward to working even more closely with our incredible colleagues, our members and the board and National Members Council as we continue to strengthen our Co-op for the long-term.”
