Co-op Group CTO Robert Elsey to depart in October

Elsey joined the Co-op in 2021, bringing experience from his previous tenure as CTO and CIO at the Bank of England. During his time at the retailer, he navigated the organization through a major cyber attack that resulted in an £80 million earnings hit and contributed to a £75 million underlying pre-tax loss for the first half of 2025. While the company has not provided a specific reason for his resignation, his departure follows the exit of CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq, who stepped down earlier this year to allow for new leadership to oversee the firm's transformation strategy.

The retailer has seen further staff changes, including the departure of George Hayworth, the former Head of Quick Commerce Development, whose role was made redundant as part of wider structural shifts. Despite these challenges, the Co-op remains focused on refining its member and customer propositions. The company is currently aiming to secure a replacement for the CTO role before Elsey officially concludes his tenure.