New executive appointments for Lincolnshire Co-op’s senior team

Community retailer Lincolnshire Co-op is welcoming two new members to its Executive Leadership Team, which oversees the society’s purpose and strategic direction.

On 1^st September, Karen Bennett, currently Senior Director of People Services at Asda, will join Lincolnshire Co-op as its new Chief People Officer. Andy Warman, who currently works as Head of Strategy and Transformation at Lincolnshire Co-op, will be promoted to a newly-created Executive Leadership Team role of Chief Transformation Officer on 9^th June.

Both roles will be integral to delivering the society’s Purpose Beyond Profit 2030 business strategy, which includes developing the society’s foundational infrastructure and investing in schemes to ensure the society’s long-term sustainability, including exploring new opportunities in healthcare and housing.

Karen Bennett, who lives in Nottinghamshire, started her career at Asda in 1998 as an hourly paid colleague while at university, before going onto the retail graduate programme.

She worked in both stores and area roles across the East Midlands and Yorkshire, before moving to the HR team where she spent an extended time partnering Commercial teams across food, non-food and George, as well as delivering large strategic transformation and change programmes for both Asda and Walmart.

In her role as Senior Director of People Services, which she has held since January 2024, Karen led the colleague lifecycle from hire to retire, as well as HR process and simplification for the business.

As Chief People Officer, Karen will oversee human resources, talent and acquisition, learning and development and engagement, and will spearhead a new people and culture strategy.

Karen said: “Lincolnshire Co-op is at an exciting point in its long history; there are ambitious growth plans which go hand-in-hand with the society’s purpose of making life better in local communities. I’m delighted to be coming on board as this commitment to a values-driven way of doing business resonates with me personally, especially as I live in the local area and can see the difference the co-op makes.

“Lincolnshire Co-op is a diverse business with lots of opportunity to grow and support our communities in different ways, while continuing to make a positive difference.

“The society also has a strong employer brand and is known as a great place to work, so I’m looking forward to building on that further within my role – especially as we work towards delivering our Purpose Beyond Profit 2030 strategy.”

Andy Warman is from Lincolnshire and began his career in retail aged 16 as weekend worker in a local

garden centre. He studied Business Management at the University of Lincoln and then joined Wilko as a store manager before joining the supply chain function.

Rising to become Head of Supply Chain and later Head of Sales and Operational Planning, Andy led the implementation of a new forecasting and replenishment systems at Wilko. Following this, Andy consulted on several high-impact transformation programmes for major retailers, focusing on technology-driven change and strategic planning.

For the past two years, Andy has served as Head of Strategy and Transformation at Lincolnshire Co-op, where he has played a central role in building Purpose Beyond Profit 2030.

The Chief Transformation Officer role will include leading Lincolnshire Co-op’s IT and digital functions and project management of transformation initiatives. Andy will also oversee strategic property development.

Andy said: “As someone who was born and raised in Lincolnshire, this role carries a deep personal significance. What excites me most is the opportunity to contribute directly to Lincolnshire Co-op’s purpose – making life better in our communities. There are few roles where you can make such a meaningful, local impact at scale, especially within the area in which in which you grew up.

“I’m especially passionate about how we can harness technology and our inspiring colleagues to strengthen the society’s ability to deliver on its purpose, especially within areas like healthcare and housing – two of the most pressing societal needs today. It’s a unique chance to combine innovation with purpose, and I’m proud to be part of a team that’s committed to creating lasting, positive change for the region I call home.”

The society’s CEO Alison Hands said: “I’m delighted to welcome both Karen and Andy to the Executive Leadership Team.

“We are in a period of change so it is a great time to be part of Lincolnshire Co-op and help transform our 164-year-old business so it’s fit for the future and can continue fulfilling its purpose of making life better in communities for many, many years to come.

“Karen’s energy, experience and values-based leadership skills will help us shape our people strategy and ensure we’re a first-choice employer. Andy’s track record of leading transformational projects is second to none, and he’ll ensure that drive and vision will continue to move us forward.”

Interim Chief People Officer Jerome Lopez will leave Lincolnshire Co-op in September.

“I’d like to thank Jerome for the enthusiasm and commitment he has bought to the role during his time with us,” said Alison. “He’s overseen changes in our People team, including the launch of our new Thrive values, and will continue to support us during the coming months and ensure a smooth transition.”