The Heart of England Co-operative Society’s chief executive Ali Kurji has retired after 42 years’ sterling service, including nearly two decades at the helm.
It marks the end of an extraordinary career for Kurji who has been a prominent figure in the West Midlands business community for decades, said the society.
As he bowed out, Ali reflected on the fact that he was also the longest serving member of staff in an organisation employing nearly 800 people across its food and funeral divisions: “That I have spent more than 40 wonderful years with the Heart of England Co-op and have gone past my normal retirement date shows just how much I have treasured my time here.
“It’s been a very special part of my life, but the time is right for me to pass on the baton – and I do so with the knowledge that the Society is in robust financial health. Its future is now in the safe hands of an excellent management team backed by a fully supportive board.”
Kurhi, originally from Uganda, arrived in the UK in 1968 and joined the Co-op in 1982. After becoming chief executive in 2004, he expanded the society’s operations, boosting turnover from £75m to £105m.
The Society’s tradition of giving back to the community remained close to Ali’s heart throughout his career. Under his leadership, the Co-op launched the Helping Hearts scheme, which has since donated over £1.3m to local causes.
After witnessing the incredible difference that the Helping Hearts initiative made in the community, Ali went one step further. In 2011, he announced a new corporate charity scheme, with colleagues actively fundraising for a chosen cause, typically for two years at a time. That project galvanised staff and has raised £200,000 to date, with Macmillan Cancer Support being the latest beneficiary.
Reflecting on his career, Kurji highlighted the commitment to the Co-op’s ethos of giving back, including raising charity funds. “What I earn is not all mine. It needs to be shared out,” he said.
He received several awards for his community commitment over the four decades.
In a statement released to mark Ali’s retirement, Clive Miles, president of the Society’s board of directors, recognised his remarkable contribution: “On behalf of the board and the staff, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Ali who has guided the Society through some momentous challenges, such as the Covid pandemic, Brexit, the Credit Crunch and the continuing cost of living crisis.
“It is rare in this day and age for someone to dedicate so much of their working life to one organisation. The Society has flourished and grown under his leadership, and he will leave a lasting imprint.”
Steve Browne, formerly general manager of the Society’s food division, has taken over as chief executive.
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