Members of the Co-operative Group and United Co-operatives have given the thumbs up to the long-awaited merger of the two societies, resulting in a major management shake-up.
The reshuffle was designed to boost the business' "competitive advantage" and position on the high street, said Peter Marks, incoming chief executive of the society's enlarged Trading Group. The new team brought together the cream of the crop of the two societies' executive teams, he added.
Co-operative Group chief executive Martin Beaumont has brought forward his retirement to coincide with the merger's completion on July 29.
Guy McCracken, currently chief executive of food retail for the Co-operative Group, will take on the same role in the new team, with Tim Hurrell as
his designate, ahead of McCracken's retirement in 12 months' time.
Bryan Portman, former chief financial officer for the Group, becomes chief financial officer for the new team. Martyn Wates, chief financial officer United, has been appointed as Portman's designate pending his retirement in September.
Zoe Morgan, former Co-operative Group marketing director, is to leave after nearly three years at the society. She will be replaced by Patrick Allen, currently marketing director at United Co-operatives.

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