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Co-op chief with lifetime of commitment hailed for a year of outstanding success
BRADFORD-based Peter Marks, the group chief executive of The Co-op Group, has been named Orange Leader of the Year at a major award ceremony in London.
The retailer was recognised for his outstanding achievements over the past year.
Mr Marks has spent his entire working life within the Co-operative Movement, having joined Yorkshire Co-operatives in 1967 as a management trainee.
Over his career, Mr Marks has managed numerous Co-operative businesses, including the food, travel, funeral and department store operations.
Since 2007, he has been group chief executive of the Co-operative Group, during which time he has overseen massive growth of the Co-operative brand, culminating this year in the acquisition of the Somerfield food store business and the merger with the Britannia Building Society.
Tom Alexander, the chief executive of Orange UK, said: "This year, more than ever, is a reason to celebrate and recognise business excellence and the National Business Awards provides a great platform to do this.
"Whether steering a business through tough times, opening minds to new ways of thinking or delivering trail-blazing new approaches, the guidance, direction and inspiration of the leaders at the forefront of these enterprises is admirable. Nowhere are these qualities more demonstrable than in the leadership that Peter Marks has shown."
Mr Marks said: 'This award recognises a tremendous year of achievement for The Co-operative Group. At a time when consumers are looking for both value and values in business, The Co-operative's brand has become relevant and distinctive in a way it has not been for decades.
"Our growth and renaissance could not have been achieved without the enormous commitment and loyalty of our 120,000 colleagues across our family of businesses, and this award is recognition of the hard work and dedication all of us have given."
The awards – hosted by TV presenter Kirsty Wark – took place at The Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London. They were also attended by Alistair Darling, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who said: "I am always impressed with the British business ingenuity and endeavour, their drive and aspiration.
"The National Business Awards is where Britain's best, from across the public and private sectors, get the recognition and reward they deserve."
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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