Unitas CEO John Kinney is to step down from his current role to become chairman, with COO David Cooke succeeding him from 1 January 2027.
Current Unitas chairman Jason Wouhra’s three-year term of office will end at the same time.
The leadership changes form part of a planned succession process designed to ensure continuity while positioning the wholesale buying group for the next stage of development, Unitas said.
Kinney, who has led the organisation for nearly six years, was previously sales and marketing director, having joined Today’s Group as retail director in 2012 before its merger with Landmark Wholesale to form Unitas Wholesale.
“I am extremely proud of what we have achieved at Unitas over the past six years,” said Kinney. “We have strengthened the organisation, developed our commercial proposition and continued to evolve the support we provide to members and supplier partners in a rapidly changing wholesale market.
“David joined Unitas a year ago as part of our succession planning and has made a significant impact. He has quickly built a strong understanding of the business, our membership and the opportunities ahead of us. I am delighted that he will take on the role of chief executive and am confident he is the right person to lead Unitas through its next chapter.”
Cooke said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of chief executive and very grateful for the confidence placed in me by John and the board. I look forward to working closely with our members, supplier partners and the Unitas team as we build on the strong foundations already in place, continue to develop our proposition and deliver the next phase of our strategy.”
Speaking of his departure, Wouhra added: “It has been a real privilege to serve as chairman of Unitas and I have thoroughly enjoyed the role over the past three years. I am proud of the progress the organisation has made during that time and of the way the board, leadership team and wider business have continued to strengthen Unitas on behalf of its members.”
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