Barton-under-Needwood man named Midlands Co-op Chief Executive

Martyn Cheatle

A businessman from a village near Lichfield is to become the new Chief Executive of the Midlands Co-op.

Martyn Cheatle, who lives in Barton-under-Needwood, is currently the company’s Deputy Chief Executive and will step up to his new role following the retirement of John Fitzgerald.

The 47-year-old joined Midlands Co-op in 2001, having previously been Finance Director at Gala Leisure and Financial Controller at Bass Brewers.

After the announcement was made of his appointment, Mr Cheatle said:

“I feel privileged to succeed John Fitzgerald at the helm of the Midlands Society and have enjoyed working alongside him during the last eight years.  Much of the Society’s success can be attributed to John Fitzgerald ’s leadership, forward thinking and sound management.

“With the support of our very experienced management team, I am confident that we will continue to build on this success.”

The outgoing Chief Executive – who is retiring after 25 years with the company – admitted he was delighted to be handing the job onto his deputy. He said:

“I am very pleased that the Directors of Midlands Co-operative Society have appointed Martyn Cheatle to succeed me.  I know he will take the Society forward to even greater success in the future.”