Co-op Group Names Moni Mannings OBE Interim Chair Following Debbie White’s Decision to Step Down

Co-op Group Names Moni Mannings OBE Interim Chair Following Debbie White’s Decision to Step Down

(IN BRIEF) Co-op Group has announced that Debbie White is stepping down as Chair and as a member of the Board. White joined the Board in 2023 and became Chair in 2024, leading the organisation through a period of significant change and challenge, including last year’s cyber-attack. Moni Mannings OBE, Senior Independent Director, has been appointed Interim Chair while the Board begins the process of appointing a permanent successor. White said the Co-op is now in a position of stability and opportunity, with Interim CEO Kate Allum and the leadership team continuing to guide the organisation as the process to appoint a permanent Group CEO progresses.

(PRESS RELEASE) MANCHESTER, 10-Aug-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Co-op Group has announced that Debbie White will step down as Chair and as a member of the Board.

Moni Mannings OBE, currently Senior Independent Director, has been appointed Interim Chair.

White joined the Co-op Group Board in 2023 and became Chair in 2024.

During her time leading the Board, the organisation navigated a period of major change and challenge, including the impact of last year’s cyber-attack.

Commenting on her decision, White said it had been a privilege to serve as Chair of the Co-op during a period that brought both opportunity and difficulty for the Group’s businesses.

She said that, despite various headwinds and the disruption caused by the malicious cyber-attack, the actions taken by the organisation are having a positive effect and are helping establish strong foundations for delivery of the Co-op’s vision and strategy.

White said that, as the Group’s position strengthens and the process to appoint a permanent Group CEO is underway, she believes now is the right time to step down as Chair.

She explained that she is approaching the end of her first term on the Board and is not currently able to commit to a further three-year term as Chair.

White said her decision to step down will allow the important appointment of a permanent Group CEO to be made under the stewardship of Mannings and the other Board members, who will continue guiding the business through this important period.

She added that her decision had been made easier by the fact that the Co-op is back in a position of stability and opportunity.

White said that, under the leadership of Interim CEO Kate Allum, supported by the leadership team, Board and Council, the organisation is well placed to continue building momentum and delivering for members and customers.

She thanked her fellow Board members, Council members and colleagues across the Co-op for their support, dedication and commitment.

White also wished Kate Allum, Moni Mannings and everyone connected with the Co-op continued success, adding that she will continue to follow the organisation with fondness and pride as a co-operator.

The Co-op Board has accepted White’s decision and will begin the process of appointing a permanent successor.

Moni Mannings OBE will assume the role of Interim Chair while that process is carried out.

Mannings thanked White for her contribution to the Co-op, saying she had provided unwavering commitment and valuable counsel during her time as Chair.

On behalf of the Board, Council, leadership team and colleagues across the organisation, Mannings wished White every success for the future.

Mannings said she will seek to build on White’s contribution as she takes on the Interim Chair role.

She added that the Co-op remains focused on delivering its strategic priorities, serving its members, customers, colleagues and partners, and building an even stronger business for the future.

Through the leadership transition, Co-op Group is moving into its next phase as it continues the search for a permanent Group CEO and begins the process of appointing a permanent Chair.

Media Contact:

pressoffice@coop.co.uk

SOURCE: Co-operative Group Limited