Gill Barr, a former executive at Mastercard, John Lewis and Woolworths plc, is set to join UK retailer The Co-operative Group as group marketing director.

Barr, who most recently was head of marketing for Mastercard in the UK and Ireland, will take up her new post at the end of the month. She replaces Patrick Allen, who left the business last year.

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Co-op chief executive Peter Marks said Barr’s “tremendous breadth of experience” would “make a significant contribution” to the retailer’s development.

Barr added: “The Co-operative’s recent rejuvenation has established great foundations for the future and I’m looking forward to using my retail and financial services experience to help drive the group forward. 

“The Co-operative has an unrivalled reputation as an ethical business and is excellently placed to respond to consumers’ desire to trade with enterprises which share their values and principles.”

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