Peter Marks, chief executive of UK retailer The Co-operative Group, is to retire next year, the company announced today (7 August).

Marks plans to leave in May after six years as chief of The Co-op. He joined the UK’s fifth-largest food retailer in 2007 after it merged with another co-operative retailer United Co-operatives. In all, on his retirement, Marks would have spent 45 years working for the “co-operative movement”, the retailer said.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

Under Marks, The Co-op made significant moves including buying UK food retailer Somerfield.

He said The Co-op had been “transformed” during his tenture “while staying true to our roots as a mutual”.

The Co-op chairman Len Wardle added: “Peter has done a truly outstanding job for The Co-operative Group. He was the architect of the current strategy to ensure that we developed real scale in our key businesses.”

Click here to read analysts’ thoughts on the move.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now