Exclusive: WHSmith poaches former Co-op exec as new people officer

Webb left her most recent job as chief people and services officer and member of the executive team at the Co-op in 2022. She begins her new role at WHSmith on April 3.

She joined the Co-op in 2014 as HR director for food, before moving into the executive team in 2017. She has also had roles in senior positions at Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, Aviva, Morrisons and Asda.

Webb has been involved with transformation programmes in her previous jobs, such as the integration of Asda with Walmart, and held a position as central retail director at Sainsbury’s where she helped improve store profitability.

Webb was awarded an OBE in January for services to equality, inclusion and wellbeing. 

A WHSmith spokesperson said Webb is an “important hire” and she is a specialist in her field.

In WHSmith’s most recent financial results, the company said it was in its “strongest ever position”. The general merchandise retailer has also recently opened new Curi.o.city stores that aim to target former Paperchase customers.

Meanwhile, the Co-op has been going through a period of change after food boss Jo Whitfield and chief executive Steve Murrell left the company last year.

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