The competition for retailers’ business continues apace, with Co-op Wholesale the latest firm to announce a significant new hire as it seeks to increase its market share.
Martin Swadling, who has 30 years’ experience in retail and wholesale and was previously Booker’s customer director, has taken on the same role with Co-op Wholesale, a move described by the firm as a “high profile appointment”.
Swadling has been tasked with leading “the strategy and execution of Co-op Wholesale’s logistics and warehouse operations, building a high-performing delivery proposition”.
The company says his hiring “signals Co-op Wholesale’s intent to lead on a market leading proposition, operational excellence and supply chain innovation”.
The move is the latest in a series of senior appointments across the sector. In July this year Scottish wholesaler CJ Lang hired Ashleigh MacPherson as a new business development manager; in October last year Spar named former Nisa Wholesale boss Michael Fletcher its managing director; while in September 2025 Morrisons made former Nisa exec Peter Batt its new operations director for convenience stores, following Victoria Lockie’s appointment as head of wholesale for strategic projects and acquisitions earlier in the year.
Announcing its new customer director, Co-op Wholesale’s managing director, Katie Secretan, said Swadling’s “leadership will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen our supply chain, enhance service for partners, and deliver on our growth ambitions”.
Swadling himself commented: “I’m really excited to join the team at such a pivotal time, helping to build on its operational strengths and develop a delivery network that’s truly fit for the future.”
