The Co-operative Group has today announced the appointment of Moni Mannings and Luke Jensen as independent non-executive directors.

Moni Mannings joins as senior independent director with effect from today, succeeding Sir Christopher Kelly who reached the end of his nine-year term of office in November 2023. Mannings currently sits on the boards of Hargreaves Lansdown, easyJet and Land Securities. A qualified solicitor, she was a partner at a number of global law firms, including Olswang, where she was international head of banking and finance.

Luke Jensen will join the board as an independent non-executive director with effect from 19 February, he joins as the successor to Stevie Spring, who will step down from the board at the end of her nine-year term in June this year.

Jensen is currently executive chair at Hana Group SAS, a global pan-Asian cuisine company operating under the brand Sushi Gourmet. Before taking on this role in 2023, he was CEO of Ocado Solutions. He also served previously as group development director of J Sainsbury’s plc.

The Co-op also confirmed that Debbie White has been appointed as chair of the board from today, with Allan Leighton remaining on the board as an independent non-executive director until 18 February, when he reaches the end of his nine-year term.