The Midcounties Co-Operative appoints new head of property
In her new role, Lyddon will be responsible for supporting the trading groups to improve sales and contribution through property decisions and creating partnerships.
The Midcounties Co-operative has appointed Kathryn Lyddon as head of property as it embarks on a “significant” investment programme for 2022.
In her new role, Lyddon will be providing professional expertise and support across the society’s property portfolio, which currently spans more than 220 Your Co-op Food stores, 48 Your Co-op Little Pioneers nurseries and 76 Your Co-op Travel branches.
Lyddon will take responsibility for leading the society’s property, acquisition and development function as it continues to implement its growth and investment plans. Her role responsibilities will include leading and developing property strategy, optimising and maximising the society’s asset portfolio value, and minimising commercial risk.
She will also be responsible for supporting the trading groups to improve sales and contribution through property decisions and creating partnerships with developers, suppliers and external professionals to increase revenues.
Additionally, Lyddon will reportedly help to ensure that the society’s property portfolio contributes to its sustainability strategy, as it continues to lead nationwide and local efforts to tackle climate change.
Meanwhile, Lyddon joins with 17 years of UK and international experience. Her roles have spanned from international asset manager to regional acquisition manager, and from development manager to disposals manager, working largely with Tesco in convenience, and Dot Com’s international businesses.
Midcounties, which operates food retail, childcare, travel, online healthcare and utilities trading groups under the Your Co-op brand, has also confirmed plans to open 10 new food stores in 2022 at a total investment of more than £5m.
Phil Ponsonby, chief executive at The Midcounties Co-operative, said: “Kathryn’s appointment as head of property will not only help us to deliver against our growth and sustainability strategies, but also help us generate even greater benefit for our members and the communities in which we operate.”
Lyddon added: “I’m really excited to be joining an organisation with ethical values at its core and which puts its members and local communities at the heart of everything they do. I’m looking forward to leading the team and supporting the wider society as it continues its ambitious investment, development and growth plans.”
