Convenience retailer Co-op has hired Lidl Great Britain’s regional head of property, Rachel Hargreaves, as its new director of property, development and estates.
Hargreaves’ new role is part of the drive to deliver Co-op’s strategic growth plans. The business said she would focus on ensuring Co-op is at the forefront of landowners’, developers’ and agents’ minds as the “go-to convenience operator” for new retail floor space – whether that is freehold or leasehold sites for Co-op’s own operations or locations for its growing franchise business.
The role also includes directing and leading on new initiatives to maximise the potential of the retailer’s existing portfolio of properties.
Hargreaves will report to Heather Thomas, Co-op’s group property director.
As regional head of property at Lidl Great Britain, Hargreaves’ role involved the implementation of its expansion strategy, including the appraising, budgeting, planning and co-ordination of the delivery of a five-year plan of acquisitions, construction, and asset and estate management.
Co-op, which is celebrating its 180th anniversary this year, is one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives. It aims to increase the number of its member-owners from 5m to 8m by 2030, and at the same time is targeting additional growth through its three core business areas of food retail, business-to-business and life services.
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