Co-op picks brand chief to span group

The Co-operative Group has appointed a supremo to oversee branding across all its consumer-facing businesses, including food retail, funerals, travel and pharmacy.

Terry Hudghton has been promoted from his previous role as head of Co-op brand and corporate marketing for the food business to the new post of head of corporate brand management for the Co-op Group.

The appointment follows the news that the Co-op Group plans to introduce common branding across its consumer-facing businesses. As previously reported in Marketing Week, this is part of a move by the Co-operative Group to develop umbrella branding for its 40-plus retail societies, with common businesses including food retail, travel, funeral services and department stores (MW March 6). Strategic brand consultancy Butterfield 8 is advising on the project.

Hudghton will report to Co-op Group director of corporate affairs Wendy Wrigley.

His former role will be taken by Christine Clarke, marketing development manager in brand management. She will report to David Croft, head of Co-op brand and technical, who has assumed overall responsibility for the Co-op branded product range and the “responsible retailing” policy.