Co-op’s Michael Fletcher to head Nisa

Michael Fletcher, chief commercial officer of Co-op, has been announced as the new chief executive of Nisa.

The appointment follows the departure of incumbent Ken Towle to Asda as the supermarket chain’s new retail director.

"It has been a privilege to lead the Nisa business. Nisa is fortunate to work with fantastic partners from whom I have learnt so much. I wish everyone continued success in the future,” Towle said.

Commenting, Jo Whitfield, Co-op Food chief executive, said: “We are grateful for Ken’s leadership and wish him well for the future. I am delighted to confirm that Michael Fletcher will be the new CEO for Nisa.”

“Michael brings a wealth of experience and already has a good understanding of the wholesale business having been part of the original integration team with responsibility for bringing together and leading the combined wholesale and retail buying teams.”

Fletcher joined the Co-op Food business in 2013. He played an instrumental role in ensuring the successful integration of the Nisa wholesale and Co-op retail businesses through the development and deployment of the One Commercial Operating Model following the acquisition of the symbol group in 2017.

Fletcher was previously Tesco Group procurement director. He joined Tesco as a graduate in 1991 and held numerous Commercial roles across Fresh and Ambient prior to the director level, including commercial director for Tesco Malaysia and Tesco Ireland.

Fletcher said: "I am delighted to take on the leadership of the Nisa business. I know many of the partners and I look forward to meeting many more as we work together to make the very most of an exciting future."