Co-op retains Rocket as media agency

The Co-op began its review in March and said it was scrutinising its media business after the acquisition of Somerfield and merger with Britannia Building Society.

The review was led by The Co-op’s procurement department supported by senior marketers across the Group.

Shortly before beginning the review the Co-op restructured its marketing function, shrinking the group marketing department so that the responsibility for day-to-day brand delivery, research and management was moved to each business unit to mirror the structure of group’s travel and financial services businesses.

Patrick Allen was appointed to head up the group marketing department in the role of director of marketing, with a remit to increase focus on the development of customer propositions relevant to the membership base.