Debbie Robinson has been appointed as the new chief executive for Central England Co-operative, taking over from Martyn Cheatle when he retires in May, 2019.

Central England is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK employing over 8,000 people in the food sector, funeral services, and property investment, with over 400 trading outlets across 16 counties.

Debbie Robinson 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.

Elaine Dean, society president, said: "Debbie is no stranger to co-operative ethics and values, having previous experience at a senior level within the co-operative movement. She has a sound track record of success and is highly respected in the retail sector.

"This is the first time in the society's history that we have had a female chief executive and the board is confident in her ability to take us forward as a dynamic and independent co-operative society."