The Co-operative Group has appointed Steve Murrells to the role of chief executive of its food business, replacing Tim Hurrell who retired last year.
Murrells (46), who will report to group chief executive Peter Marks, will join Britain’s fifth largest food retailer from Danish meat company Tulip, where he is UK chief executive.
Prior to that he held a number of senior positions with Tesco, including CEO for One Stop stores; Commercial director of fresh foods, and, most recently, he was responsible for the integration of the Dobbies garden centre business. He had previously worked in buying and trading for Sainsbury’s.
Murrells, who takes up his post in July, said: “The Co-operative Group has made enormous strides in its food business and this is an exciting time to be leading the team as we focus on delivering the full potential of The Co-operative brand for the benefit of our customers and members.”
The Co-operative Group has also announced the promotion of Sean Toal to the new position of chief operating officer for food, reporting to Murrells. Toal was previously commercial director for food.
Peter Marks said: “As a result of the acquisition and integration of Somerfield, The Co-operative Group has experienced phenomenal growth, and is once again a major force in food retailing. These appointments reflect this. Steve and Sean bring to their new positions a wealth of experience and complementary skills to make us more efficient and more customer-focused as we move through the next phase of our development as the UK’s leading community retailer.”
Source: Co-op
