Andy Wilmot joins Co-op from A.F. Blakemore & Son and takes on supply chain and logistics position

The Co-op Group has appointed Andy Wilmot to the role of Group Supply Chain and Logistics Director.

He joins the business in April, when he will work with the current incumbent, Derek Furnival, who departs in June after 30 years’ service.

Until recently, he was Group Logistics and Supply Chain Director at A.F. Blakemore & Son and prior to that he worked for DHL Supply Chain as Operations Director on a variety of different contracts. 

“Moving to the front line of retail logistics and supply chain is something I’m really excited and passionate about,” says Wilmot. “And I can’t wait to start, as I take my experience and knowledge from previous roles to Co-op.

“Retail supply chains and logistic networks are complex environments and the backbone of retail operations, even more so at Co-op which services 8,000 stores across its retail, wholesale and partnership set up. I see huge opportunities to be best in class and I am looking forward to working with the Co-op teams to make this happen.”

Group MD Matt Hood says: “As we continue to establish the new structure and move forward with our strategy to create a significant retail buying group, the strength of our supply and logistics operation cannot be underestimated.” 

“Andy’s experience and skills will enable a real step change in this space which, along with the focus on strengthening the commercial abilities of our buying team, means I’m confidently excited about what we can achieve in 2026 and beyond.”

He adds: “As we are excited to welcome Andy, we are equally sad to say goodbye to Derek Furnival, who has served for 30 amazing years at our Co-op and who will be missed by everyone when he leaves with our very best wishes in June.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Supply chain technology will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Thursday, 15th October.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.