Summary
Debbie White, who became Co-op chair in 2024, has stepped down from the role. Moni Mannings, senior independent director, has been appointed interim chair. White cited the ongoing process to appoint a permanent group CEO and her inability to commit to a further three-year term as reasons for her departure.
White's exit follows the high-profile departure of CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq in March, a bonus payout despite the £285m cyber attack in 2025, and reported concerns about workplace culture at the Manchester-based retail group. White said the organisation is now in a position of stability under interim CEO Kate Allum.
The Co-op board has begun the process of appointing a permanent group CEO successor. White, who previously held senior roles at Interserve and Sodexo, also steps down as chair of the government's Mutual and Co-operative Sector Business Council.
Read the full story at Prolific North
This is a summary written for the Manchester Business Services register. The full article belongs to Prolific North — read it at source.
Common questions
- What is this article about?
- The Co-op Group's chair Debbie White has resigned from the board, following the departure of group CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq in March. The Manchester-based retailer has faced significant turbulence after a £285m cyber attack and reports of workplace culture issues.
- When was this published?
- This article was published on 12 August 2026.
- Who published this article?
- This article was published by Prolific North.