The Co-op Group has confirmed that Shirine Khoury-Haq will become its permanent chief executive.
Ms Khoury-Haq was appointed interim CEO in May after Steve Murrells stood down, becoming the first female CEO in the group's history.
Today she was named permanent CEO by chair Allan Leighton.
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He said: "I’m delighted that Shirine has accepted the invitation to lead and develop our Co-op into the future, tackling the challenges presented by the highly uncertain and volatile external environment.
"Shirine has proven leadership qualities and a deep level of transformational experience, and the Board has been impressed by her desire to prioritise on activity that will deliver a strong financial Co-op for our members, whilst maintaining a focus on our vision and wider social commitments.”
Ms Khoury-Haq said: "I am proud and honoured to lead this wonderful and unique organisation. The Co-op is the original business with purpose and I am looking forward to delivering even more on this promise, working to co-operate for a fairer world.
"There is a lot to do but we also have so much to build upon. Our Food and Life Services businesses are leaders in their markets, we have a differentiated vision and amazing Co-op colleagues, with links into communities and other co-operatives. Together, we will continue to succeed and deliver for the benefit of our members, our customers and their communities."
Last month the group announced plans to cut 400 jobs, with the majority based at its Manchester head office. The group blamed a "tough trading environment" and rising inflation for the move, saying it was made "with a heavy heart".
In April, the Co-op reported underlying operating profits of £100m for 2021, down from the £235m it reported in 2020 and £173m in 2019.
In March, Ms Khoury-Haq told the Mirror she wanted to see action to get more people from ethnic minority backgrounds into top roles in British business.
