Andy Rigby has been appointed as the acting Chief Executive Officer of the East of England Co-op for a minimum of 12 months, marking a significant leadership change.
Andy Rigby, who initially joined the East of England Co-op in early 2022 as the Chief Operations Officer, brings over 40 years of leadership experience to his new role. His extensive background spans senior executive positions in the UK, the EU, and international markets. This strategic move is expected to guide the Co-op through a vital phase of development and community engagement.
Joy Burnford, the president of the East of England Co-op, expressed confidence in Rigby’s leadership, stating, ‘Andy has proven himself to be a force for good in many ways for our Society in the time he has been with us.’ This endorsement highlights Rigby’s influence within the organisation and signifies the trust placed in his capability to steer the Society forward.
Rigby emphasised the importance of community and internal collaboration, saying, ‘Our focus remains on our customers, our colleagues, our members and our communities who we take great pride in supporting and serving, now and in the future.’ His comments reflect a commitment to sustaining the Co-op’s core values while pursuing innovative strategies for growth.
Gratitude towards the Co-op’s extensive workforce also featured in Rigby’s announcement. He stated, ‘I’d like to thank our 3,000 incredible colleagues who continue to work so hard for our co-op and our board too for their continued support.’ This remark underscores the collective effort required to achieve the Co-op’s strategic goals and the role of strong leadership in facilitating this.
The East of England Co-op, known for its community-centred approach, is poised to pursue its mission under Rigby’s guidance. The organisation has witnessed substantial progress in recent times, and Rigby is optimistic about the future. ‘We’ve come a long way in a short time and we have lots to be excited about,’ he remarked, pointing towards forthcoming initiatives and the potential for further achievements.
Andy Rigby’s appointment as acting CEO of the East of England Co-op signifies a period of continued development and dedication to community values. With his extensive experience, Rigby is set to lead the Society towards sustainable growth while maintaining a strong commitment to its members and communities.
