Our Chief Executive and Leadership team

Andy Rigby - Acting Chief Executive Officer

Andy has been with us since May 2022 and is transforming our Food retail business. Andy is a dynamic and diverse leader, with over 40 years’ experience in senior executive roles across food retail, fast moving consumer goods, wholesale and pharmacy – both in UK, EU and International markets.

Andy also supports and leads a programme of charity foundation work in Gambia to improve local community education.

Jonathan Carey - Society Secretary

Jonathan joined our co-op in 2004 as a retail graduate trainee, before moving into the Secretariat in 2005. Progressing within the department Jonathan was appointed Society Secretary in March 2020.

As Secretary, Jonathan is a trusted advisor to the Board on corporate and co-operative governance - enabling directors to fulfil their legal and regulatory duties and responsibilities in line with the Society’s rules, policies and procedures. Jonathan is a member of Co-operatives UK’s Corporate Governance Expert Reference Panel.

Having grown up on Mersea Island, Jonathan now lives in Colchester with his wife and two daughters.

Stuart McDonald - Chief Property Officer

Stuart is our Chief Property Officer and is responsible for our extensive Property Portfolio and Building Services team. Having re-joined us in 2024, he previously worked at Ipswich Borough Council in a variety of roles, latterly as Interim Assistant Director, Place where he led the strategic direction for Ipswich Borough Council on all property matters. These included successfully securing funding for £25m Towns Fund projects, the conversion of The Botanist in Ipswich and a church into a new music venue. Stuart previously built his property experience with different roles within the East of England Co-op. 

Outside of work, Stuart is a loyal Ipswich Town fan and enjoys exploring East Anglia with his family, as well as playing his guitar.

James Norman - Chief Financial Officer

James joined us in August 2023 as Chief Financial Officer, leading on all financial matters for the society, and in July 2024 also took responsibility for technology, cyber security, data and change.

James is a driven and experienced finance leader, with a broad range of experience across a diverse set of UK and global businesses. He has a track record of utilising financial data to drive improvements in profitability.

Whilst never forgetting his Irish heritage James is happily settled in Norfolk with his wife and young children.