CENTRAL England Co-operative has announced the appointment of Debbie Robinson as the society’s new chief executive.

Debbie Robinson (pictured) has held directorships for food retailers specialising in store innovation, brand strategy and global development and joins the society from SPAR where she has been UK managing director since 2011. She has a strong background in retail, built up over 30 years with the likes of Co-op Group, Marks & Spencer and WHSmith among others.

In her new role of chief executive at Central England Co-operative Debbie will be responsible for developing the strategic and commercial direction of the society.

Commenting on her new role, Debbie Robinson said,  “I am delighted to be joining a progressive and truly co-operative society. I look forward to building on the fantastic work Martyn has done and working with the team to ensure Central England Co-operative fulfils its ambitions and potential, making a real difference for our members and the communities we serve. My vision for the future of Central England Co-operative is to grow sustainably and make the most of the society’s key USP; our co-operative principles.”

Added to her retail expertise, Debbie also sits on the boards of the Association of Convenience Stores and the British Retail Consortium. Outside of work Debbie has many hobbies and interests in the art and music world. She is a very keen marathon runner and has completed numerous charity cycle rides including the convenience and wholesale charity cycles for Mines Advisory Group.

Central England is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK. It is a modern, forward-looking organisation employing over 8,000 people.  The society’s principal areas of activity are food, funeral services, and property investment, with over 400 trading outlets across 16 counties.