Central England Co-operative appoints Debbie Robinson as new Chief Executive

Posted by rob smyth | Published: 12/11/2018


Central England Co-operative has announced the appointment of Debbie Robinson as the Society’s new Chief Executive; a vacancy created due to Martyn Cheatle’s announcement to retire in May 2019. 

Central England is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK. It is a modern, forward-looking organisation employing over 8,000 people.  The Society’s principal areas of activity are food, funeral services, and property investment, with over 400 trading outlets across 16 counties.

Debbie Robinson has held directorships for food retailers specialising in store innovation, brand strategy and global development and joins the Society from SPAR where she has been UK Managing Director since 2011. She has a strong background in retail, built up over 30 years with the likes of Co-op Group, Marks & Spencer and WHSmith among others.

In her new role of Chief Executive at Central England Co-operative Debbie will be responsible for developing the strategic and commercial direction of the Society.  

Elaine Dean, Society President, said of the appointment: “Central England Co-operative is delighted to welcome Debbie Robinson at a time of growth and development for our Society. 

“Debbie is no stranger to co-operative ethics and values, having previous experience at a senior level within the co-operative movement. 

“She has a sound track record of success and is highly respected in the retail sector.”

Elaine added: “This is the first time in the Society’s history that we have had a female Chief Executive and the Board is confident in her ability to take us forward as a dynamic and independent co-operative society.  We look forward to working with Debbie as we build on our strong foundations and plan for the future.”

Departing Chief Executive Martyn Cheatle said: “I am incredibly proud of the Society and our colleagues, all of whom have contributed to the continued success Central England Co-operative has worked so hard to achieve in the time I have been Chief Executive.  I wish Debbie all the very best for her future with the best independent retail Co-operative in the UK.”

Commenting on her new role, Debbie Robinson said:  “I am delighted to be joining a progressive and truly co-operative society.  I look forward to building on the fantastic work Martyn has done and working with the team to ensure Central England Co-operative fulfils its ambitions and potential, making a real difference for our members and the communities we serve.” 

Debbie added: “My vision for the future of Central England Co-operative is to grow sustainably and make the most of the Society’s key USP; our co-operative principles.”

Added to her retail expertise, Debbie also sits on the boards of the Association of Convenience Stores and the British Retail Consortium. Outside of work Debbie has many hobbies and interests in the art and music world. She is a very keen marathon runner and has completed numerous charity cycle rides including the convenience and wholesale charity cycles for Mines Advisory Group.

 

Notes to editors

 

Picture caption: Debbie Robinson has been appointed as Chief Executive at Central England Co-operative.

 

About Central England Co-operative

 

Central England Co-operative is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK. 

 

It is a modern, forward-looking organisation employing over 8,000 staff, with the Society’s principal areas of activity being food, funeral services, and property investment.

 

Central England Co-operative has over 400 trading outlets across 16 counties including; West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.  The Society has an ambitious food store development programme for 2018.

 

Central England Co-operative is proud of its reputation for ethical business practices and corporate responsibility.  It is a member of Business in the Community, the membership organisation that stands for responsible business, and has also won many business awards for excellence.  The Society supports a number of charities including Dementia UK and invests a percentage of its trading profit into local communities.

 

Becoming a member of Central England Co-operative offers a whole host of benefits ranging from collecting points every time you spend in store to earn a share of the profits, access to members activities and community initiatives including the Community Dividend Fund, which hands out grants of up to £5,000 to charities and good causes across the Society’s trading estate.

Find out how to become a Central England Co-operative member by calling 0800 0501 601, emailing members@centralengland.coop or visiting https://www.members.coop

 

For more information visit www.centralengland.coop, follow Central England Co-operative on Twitter: @mycoopfood, and on Facebook: facebook.com/centralenglandcooperative

 

Sarah Ashton at Central England Co-operative on 01543 414140

 

Email –publicrelations@centralengland.coop