Former AF Blakemore & Son director Andy Wilmot has taken on the role of Co-op UK group supply chain and logistics director, succeeding Derek Furnival, who will leave the retailer in June after 30 years of service.
Announcing the move, Co-op UK hailed Wilmot as a strategic leader in logistics and supply chain management, who brings over 30 years of experience in delivering large-scale operational transformation and business growth to his new role.
Most recently, he served as group logistics and supply chain director at AF Blakemore & Son. He has also worked as operations director for DHL Supply Chain on various contracts.
Wilmot will join the convenience retailer in April, working closely with Furnival before he leaves in June.
Matt Hood, Co-op group MD, commented, “As we are excited to welcome Andy, we are equally sad to say goodbye to Derek Furnival, who has served for 30 amazing years at our Co-op and who will be missed by everyone when he leaves with our very best wishes in June.”
Hood added: ”Andy’s experience and skills will enable a real step change in this space, which, along with the focus on strengthening the commercial abilities of our buying team, means I’m confidently excited about what we can achieve in 2026 and beyond.”
Wilmot said he was “excited and passionate” about taking on his new role at the front line of retail logistics and supply chain.
He added: “I can’t wait to start, as I take my experience and knowledge from previous roles to Co-op.
“Retail supply chains and logistic networks are complex environments and the backbone of retail operations, even more so at Co-op, which services 8,000 stores across its retail, wholesale, and partnership set up.
“I see huge opportunities to be best in class, and I am looking forward to working with the Co-op teams to make this happen.”
