Nisa’s new chief executive moves across from the Co-op

Nisa is owned by the Co-op and Fletcher’s move across the group comes after Ken Towle’s departure from Nisa to Asda.

Jo Whitfield, chief executive of Co-op Food, said: “Michael brings a wealth of experience and already has a good understanding of the wholesale business having been part of the original integration team with responsibility for bringing together and leading the combined wholesale and retail buying teams.”

Fletcher joined the Co-op Food business in 2013. He played a key role in the integration of the Nisa wholesale and Co-op retail businesses following the acquisition of the symbol group in 2017.

Fletcher was previously Tesco Group procurement director.

He joined Tesco as a graduate in 1991 and held various roles in fresh and ambient sectors before to the director level, which included being commercial director for Tesco Malaysia and Tesco Ireland.

Fletcher said: “I am delighted to take on the leadership of the Nisa business.

“I know many of the partners and I look forward to meeting many more as we work together to make the very most of an exciting future.”