A conversation with… Shirine Khoury-Haq

Shirine Khoury-Haq is Chief Executive, Co-op (UK)

Tell us about your cooperative?

The Co-op Group is the world’s oldest co-operative business, tracing its roots directly to the Rochdale Pioneers and Toad Lane. Today we’re also one of the world’s biggest co-ops and the largest in the UK, with 6.9 million members. We have annual revenue of £11 billion, are the sixth-largest food retailer in the UK, the country’s leading funeral directors, and have growing legal and long-standing insurance businesses. With a presence in every UK postal area, we’re deeply connected to communities – a connection that makes our co-op not just a business but a voice in national debate.

I’ve had a career across global businesses like IBM, McDonald’s and Lloyd’s of London, but leading the Co-op is a privilege. It lets me work with amazing people and ensure our values of equality and equity are visible and applied at scale.

We aim to lead by example, and even when the world seems to be rowing back, our Co-op steps forward – backed by our member-owners.

What does this stepping forward look like in practice?

The co-operative business model is unique in the value it creates for members and their communities, driving economic and social change.

In a volatile, fractured world, co-operatives can be at their best – stepping up and bringing people together to find solutions. It means being brave, whether in how we run our businesses, deliver value for members, or advocate nationally. We will always stay true to our co-operative values and principles.

What impact does this make?

It can be remarkable. Our 38 schools through the Co-op Academies Trust educate 21,000 young people in areas facing real challenges. The Trust’s outcomes, rooted in co-op values, are outstanding – transforming futures compared to peers in other schools.

We’re also one of the UK’s most effective campaigning organisations, advocating for the change our members want. The Co-op has helped drive new laws protecting slavery survivors, tackling isolation, and safeguarding retail workers. We campaign – and usually win.

Locally, we donate vital funding through our Local Community Fund, supporting causes our members select. Since 2016, we’ve given over £115 million to more than 39,000 grassroots community projects.

Why did you join the CM50?

Because no one in a co-op works alone – not individuals, not businesses. We come together as co-operatives and mutuals to share ideas, trade, and stand for a better, fairer way of doing business.

The UK government has committed to doubling the size of the co-operative and mutual economy and created a Co-operative and Mutuals Sector Business Council with the UK’s largest democratic businesses.

At an international level, bringing together co-operative minds with high-level policymakers and decision-makers is just as vital – and that’s what CM50 does.

If we want an environment where co-operatives can thrive and deliver on our people-centred mission to build a better world, then the World Social Summit could be a turning point for global co-operation.

How has Co-op celebrated the International Year of Co-operatives?

This year has shown how our member-owned model creates fairer, more sustainable communities – and why co-operation matters more than ever. We’ve highlighted the power of collaboration in building social and economic solutions for a better future.

We were delighted to host 500 co-operators from 59 countries in Manchester for the Festival of Co-operatives during the International Co-operative Alliance’s General Assembly week. The energy and vibrancy of the global movement gave us real optimism for the future.