The Co-operative Group is pleased to announce the appointments of Wais Shaifta and Lord Simon Woolley as independent non-executive directors.

Wais Shaifta brings expertise in digital growth and transformation and experience in leading technology businesses. He is an independent non-executive director at Reach plc, Snappy Shopper and the Gym Group (where he chairs the remuneration and sustainability committees).

Shaifta is also senior independent trustee at English sports charity The Football Foundation.

Previously, he was the CEO of Push Doctor, a digital partner to the NHS. Prior to that, Shaifta held leadership positions in group operations, digital tech, product, business development, M&A and international expansion at Just Eat and Treatwell.

Lord Simon Woolley is a politician and equalities activist, and is currently principal of Homerton College, Cambridge and deputy vice chancellor at Cambridge University.

Woolley co-founded campaigning NGO Operation Black Vote, working with ethnic minorities in the UK to increase understanding of civic society, participation in Parliament and public life, and to promote equality and human rights. Previously, he served as an equality and human rights commissioner, as well as creating and leading the UK government’s Race Disparity Unit.

Woolley currently holds an advisory role with The King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme, and is a non-executive director of Police Now Ltd and the Youth Futures Foundation.

Debbie White, Co-op Group chair, said: “On behalf of the Co-op Board, I am delighted to welcome Simon and Wais. Both directors bring considerable skills and expertise to the board at an exciting time as the Co-op focuses on growing its businesses to deliver even more value to its member-owners.”