Several sources also said they felt a culture that discouraged any challenge had led to a series of poor decisions resulting in sinking morale, abrupt departures, as well as a “sharp drop in profits and a rocketing of food waste”.
Responding to the comments at the time, lawyers for the Co-op said they “do not believe that they represent the views of our broader leadership and colleagues”.
Following publication of the story, the BBC was contacted by more people claiming to work for the Co-op who said they also thought there was a bad culture at the top.
In April 2025, the Co-op was also one of several retailers to fall victim to a cyber-attack. The group shut down parts of its IT systems in response to hackers attempting to gain access.
It later confirmed all 6.5 million of its members had their data stolen in the attack.
In a trading update, external on Thursday, the group said the cyber-attack and the “protective action” it took in response cost it an estimated £285m in sales.
Khoury-Haq said in a statement: “Following last year’s cyber attack, the organisation is now ready to deliver on an ambitious strategy of stabilisation and transformation. This extends beyond the timeframe I had planned for my CEO tenure, and now is the right moment to hand over to leadership that can commit to seeing the strategy through.”
Co-op chair Debbie White said: “We thank Shirine for her leadership and for the significant contribution she has made to our Co-op, to our communities and to the co-operative movement during her tenure. The Board is grateful for her commitment and leadership, particularly during a challenging few years, and we wish her every success in the future.”