Following a like-for-like food sales increase of 2.2 per cent over the Christmas trading period, The Co-operative group has strengthened its executive team by creating four new roles.
As well as two new appointments to its supply chain team, Andrew Mann, currently director of loyalty at Sainsbury’s, has been appointed as customer director while Howard Reed, who has worked in IT with the likes of Asda in the past, will take up the new position of chief food information officer.
Chief executive Steve Murrells said: 'Everyone within the new food executive team will have shared responsibilities and clear and aligned accountabilities for driving the performance of our food business, concentrating on delivering quality and value for our customers and an enhanced experience at store level.
Fresh produce was a big winner for The Co-op over Christmas as sales of seasonal fresh produce - led by fruit, prepared vegetables and vegetable medleys - rose by 17 per cent, and sales were up 27 per cent on cut flowers.
