Co-op appoints director of property, development and estates

GENERAL MERCHANDISE NEWS

Co-op has appointed Rachel Hargreaves as director of property, development and estates as it drives forward on its growth ambitions.

Hargreaves was previously regional head of property at Lidl where her role included appraising, budgeting, planning and co-ordinating the delivery of a five-year plan of acquisitions, construction, asset and estate management.

In her new position, she will focus on keeping the Co-op front of mind with landowners, developers and agents as it looks out for new freehold or leasehold sites for its own operations, or locations for its growing franchise business. Responsibilities will also include directing and leading new initiatives to maximise the potential of Co-op’s existing portfolio of properties.

Hargreaves will report to Heather Thomas, Co-op’s group property director.

Thomas said: “With our stores located at the heart of local community life, we are planning for the future with a focus on growing our business for our member-owners, and enhancing the value we deliver to them and their communities – whether that is acquiring new space or maximising the potential of our existing estate.

“Rachel brings a wealth of experience and joins us at an exciting time as we continue to put in place the building blocks for our strategic growth plans across our Co-op.”