Debbie White will leave her role as chair of the Co-op Group, the organization confirmed on Monday. Moni Mannings will take over as interim chair.
White joined the Co-op Group’s board in 2023 and took the chair position in 2024. During that time, the organization dealt with a serious cyberattack last year and other business challenges.
White explains her decision
White called her time leading the Co-op both rewarding and demanding. She pointed to recent efforts, including the response to the cyberattack, as steps that improved the organization’s stability.
“With our position now stronger and the search for a permanent Group CEO underway, I believe this is the right moment to step aside,” she said. White added that she was approaching the end of her first board term and could not commit to another three years as chair. Her exit would help the board concentrate on selecting a new CEO and advancing key priorities.
She expressed trust in the Co-op’s current leadership, including interim CEO Kate Allum. “I leave knowing the Co-op is stable and well-positioned for the future,” she said.
White also thanked board members, council members, and staff for their support and wished the organization well.
Mannings assumes interim role while search begins
The Co-op Group’s board accepted White’s resignation and will now seek a permanent replacement. Mannings, who serves as senior independent director, will take over immediately.
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Mannings commended White’s leadership and acknowledged her contributions. “Debbie guided the Co-op through a critical period with dedication and insight,” she said.
She pledged to continue the work White started, focusing on the Co-op’s strategic goals and its role in serving members, customers, and partners. The organization remains committed to growing a more resilient business.
The cyberattack in 2025 disrupted operations and required extensive resources to resolve. While the incident created difficulties, officials said the response strengthened the Co-op’s ability to handle future challenges.
The Co-op Group, one of the UK’s largest consumer co-operatives, runs businesses in food retail, funeral services, and insurance. Its structure includes a board, a members’ council, and local societies. Leadership changes in such organizations often align with shifts in strategy, though the Co-op has not indicated plans for major changes beyond the ongoing CEO search.
Mannings, recognized with an OBE for her contributions to business and diversity, has been a director since 2021. Her appointment as interim chair follows a common practice in large organizations, where senior independent directors provide continuity during transitions.
The board has not set a timeline for choosing a permanent chair but expects the process to take months. In the meantime, the leadership team will keep working on its current strategy, which includes expanding digital services and deepening community ties.
