The Co-operative Group has unveiled a major shake-up in its food business following last year’s acquisition of the Somerfield supermarket chain, with several leading jobs disappearing.
A statement from the group said that for the first time a commercial function was being created in its food business that will “bring the existing buying and marketing teams together under single leadership”.
This new area will be headed up by Sean Toal, who will move to the new post of commercial director from his existing role as director of food retail operations.
“This move will ensure that food customers benefit fully from the Somerfield acquisition in terms of product choice, quality and promotions,” said the Co-op.
As a result of this restructuring, the posts of director of food retail marketing and director of food retail trading held by Debbie Robinson and David Messom respectively, will cease to exist.
Robinson will be leaving the business while Messom will stay in the business for the time being to support the transition before leaving at a date to be determined.
Tim Hurrell, managing director for food, said: “I would like to thank both Debbie and David for the valuable contributions they have both made to the business over a considerable period of time, which has led to a marked improvement in our business performance and customer offer.
“Sean’s appointment will ensure that we now take this momentum forward and secure our position as the premier community food retailer.”
At the same time, the group has also announced structural changes to its group marketing department.
With the brand rollout programme now well advanced, the responsibility for day-to-day brand delivery and management is to be moved to each business unit, with the group marketing department retaining a monitoring and governance role.
Similarly, the coming period will see a switch of emphasis from corporate brand marketing to operational and commercial activity within each of the group’s major businesses.
The group marketing department under the leadership of Patrick Allen, director of marketing, will increase its focus and emphasis in the development and delivery of relevant customer propositions, especially for the group’s growing membership base.
As a result, the posts of head of brand, head of identity and standards development and head of brand communications, will become redundant.
Similarly with the responsibility for brand and research being devolved to dedicated teams within the food business, as is already the case in the group’s financial services and travel businesses, the role of head of customer strategy will also become redundant.
Patrick Allen, group marketing director, said: “Over the past few years, The Co-operative has re-emerged as one of the strongest and most successful brands in the UK, measured by a number of key performance indicators including commercial success, consumer trust and customer advocacy.
“The group marketing department has played a vital role in establishing this position.
“The changes, whilst regrettable in the areas where individual roles are impacted, are nevertheless necessary to further support the Co-operative Group and ensure that business momentum is sustained.”
Source: The Co-operative Group
