Pennycock is chairman elect of retail trade association

Former Co-operative Group chief executive Richard Pennycock has been appointed chairman of the British Retail Consortium, effective from February 1, next year.

He will take over from Richard Baker, who has carried out the retail trade association post since July, 2016.

Pennycook said: “We are in the midst of a very challenging period for the future of the retail industry, with a huge amount at stake in terms of the reputation of business, future employment, the vitality of our town centres and the overall health of the industry in the face of multiple structural, economic and public policy challenges.

“With that in mind, I am very much looking forward to supporting and building upon the BRC’s pioneering work.

“Having a strong, coherent voice for Britain’s retailers is vital if we are to ensure the industry plays its full part in building the skills, opportunities and prosperity of the nation.”

Pennycook has worked at JD Wetherspoon, Laura Ashley, Welcome Break and Morrisons, and earlier this year made way for Steve Murrells, who took over as chief executive of the Manchester-based Co-op earlier this year.

He will continue as chairman of Howdens Joinery and Fenwicks department stores and a non-executive chairman of Cheshire-based The Hut Group.