Murrells to head Co–op’s food arm

THE Co-operative, the UK’s largest mutual retailer, yesterday named Steve Murrells as chief executive of its food business.

Murrells, who was previously chief executive of the UK arm of Danish pork supplier Tulip, will take up his post in July.

His career has included spells at Sainsbury’s and Tesco, where he was responsible for integrating Dobbies Garden Centres following the £156 million takeover in 2007.