Co-op chief quits after being accused of presiding over a 'toxic culture'

The boss of the Co-op has quit just weeks after being accused of presiding over a ‘toxic culture’.

Shirine Khoury-Haq, 55, will leave at the end of this week after four years in charge.

She will be replaced by director Kate Allum on an interim basis.

Her exit comes weeks after a letter sent to the board by staff complained of ‘fear and alienation’ in the organisation. 

Senior staff then told the BBC they felt intimidated and that ‘nobody can speak their mind in this business – anyone who does has their card marked’.

Speaking as she announced her decision to stand down yesterday, Khoury-Haq said staff consulted about allegations of ‘toxic issues’ said they ‘did not recognise it’.

The group said last year’s cyber-attack left a £107million dent in profits – dragging it into the red with losses of £126million for the 12 months to January 3.

Out: Co-op boss Shirine Khoury-Haq, 55, will leave at the end of this week after four years in charge

Out: Co-op boss Shirine Khoury-Haq, 55, will leave at the end of this week after four years in charge

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