Shooter plays key role in finding new talent for Co-op Group

FROM SEPTEMBER 2014’s RECRUITER MAGAZINE The multi-sector Co-operative Group is entering its “rebuild phase” with group director of talent and resourcing Adrian Shooter playing a key role in the organisation’s revitalisation.
September 2014 | By Sarah Marquet

FROM SEPTEMBER 2014’s RECRUITER MAGAZINE

The multi-sector Co-operative Group is entering its “rebuild phase” with group director of talent and resourcing Adrian Shooter (right) playing a key role in the organisation’s revitalisation. 

Shooter, who joined the Co-op Group in time to also play a part in its “rescue phase”, will help attract suitably qualified candidates to fill positions on the company’s board, and reshape the governance of the 150-year old mutual. 

“We have to be really honest with ourselves about the new shape of the organisation,” Shooter told Recruiter. “We have to look at our brand and market positioning and our end-to-end customer experience.”

New appointments will reflect the new purpose, the new strategy, and “ensuring we are commercially successful and sustainable”. He went on to say: “We need to reshape our leadership capability and strength, bring in and develop original skills that we may not have had before, for example, digital.” He said he would be “using the past to inform the future”.

Shooter started his role at the same time former chief executive Euan Sutherland quit after 10 months in the job, and so, in Shooter’s words, was there “from day one of the crisis”. When Sutherland quit in March, he labelled the organisation “ungovernable”.

A review led by former City minister Lord Myners recommended a major shake-up of the organisation’s structure.

On 30 August, group members voted overwhelmingly in favour of a new board structure consisting of 11 people.

Shooter said that now allows him and his team to begin searching for suitable candidates to fill those board positions.

Sarah Marquet

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