Manager from Chandler’s Ford rises the Co-op ranks to help lead their National Members’ Council

Debbie Williams, a manager from Chandler’s Ford, has been made Vice-President of Co-op’s National Members’ Council.

Having led teams in Co-op stores across the South Coast for the best part of 25 years, Debbie now represents the whole group’s 4.5 million active member-owners.

The council is made up of 100 Co-op members across the UK, each voted in by other members to represent their best interests.

Debbie said: “I love being part of my community in Chandler’s Ford, and doing everything I can to make a difference for my colleagues and friends at stores and beyond, but also those member-owners we serve.

“It’s such a huge honour to be able to represent members across the UK and help bring their ideas to life through all of our businesses.

“It’s very important to me and I hope I do the role justice.”

The council meets regularly with Co-op’s board and executive leaders to develop ideas for the group’s businesses and shape how they run.

Debbie is the first ever leader of the council who already works for Co-op.

Denise Scott-McDonald, newly re-elected President of the National Members’ Council, added: “Debbie is a formidable council member.

“She’s so genuinely intent on delivering the very best for other people wherever she can.

“I know she’ll do a wonderful job in this role, with her determination to bring Co-op’s members even closer to the heart of the business.”

• co-operative.coop