The Co-op Group has confirmed that chair Debbie White is to step down as both chair and member of the board. Moni Mannings, senior independent director, has been appointed interim chair.
White’s departure follows a high-profile cyber attack on the Manchester-based retail giant as a string of big high street names were hit by hackers in 2025, as well as the departure of group CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq in March of this year, followed by a hefty bonus payout despite the £285m cyber attack, amid reports of a “toxic work culture” at the top of the organisation.
Khoury-Haq denied the claims at the time saying that her decision to leave was “Very much a personal decision.” She added: “The reason is I want to go and do something else,” although the latest seemingly unexpected departure at the top seems unlikely to quell any existing rumours.
White joined the group in 2023 and was made chair in 2024, taking over from Allan Leighton. Before that, she held a series of executive and non-executive roles, including group chief executive of Interserve and global CEO for healthcare and government at Sodexo, and senior independent director at Spire Healthcare Group, Howden’s Joinery Group and PAVmed Inc.
White said: “It has been a privilege to serve as chair of our Co-op during a period which has brought both opportunity and challenge for our businesses. Despite a variety of headwinds facing our businesses, and the impact of last year’s malicious cyber-attack, it is clear that the actions that we have taken are having a positive impact and will ensure we have the strong foundations to deliver on our vision and strategy.”
White added that with the process to appoint a permanent group CEO under way following the departure of Khoury-Haq, it was the “right time to step down as chair”, as she was nearing the end of her first term and “not in a position to commit to a further three-year term … at this time.”
The move means she will also be stepping down as chair of the government’s Mutual and Co-operative Sector Business Council
She added: “My stepping down will enable this crucial appointment to be made by Moni and fellow board members, who will continue to steer the business through this important period.
“My decision has been made easier knowing that our Co-op is back in a position of stability and opportunity. Under the leadership of interim CEO Kate Allum, supported by a highly capable leadership team, board and council, the organisation is well placed to continue building momentum and delivering for its members and customers.
“I would like to thank my fellow board members, council members and colleagues across the Co-op for their support, dedication and commitment. I wish Kate, Moni and everyone connected with the Co-op every success for the future. I will continue to follow the Co-op with great fondness and pride as a co-operator.”
The group’s board has now begun the process of appointing a permanent successor.
