Nisa removes directors from board after data leak

Non-executive directors Harris Aslam, 18, and Raza Rehman, 24, were removed from the board last week after an investigation into the security breach.

The probe, conducted by EY and Kroll, looked into the circulation of contact details for members of the Scunthorpe-based mutual. A file containing the information was also leaked to the Sunday Times.

Mr Aslam and Mr Rehman were found to have “acted improperly” in relation to the media leak and have now left the board, Nisa chairman Christopher Baker said.

Two other member directors involved in the initial data leak have been reprimanded and have apologised for their actions.

“It is important to Nisa that members of the board share and respect Nisa’s values and behaviours,” Mr Baker said.

Last year, the company denied Mr Aslam was in line to replace outgoing chief executive Neil Turton, after reports claimed the teenager had launched a campaign to lead the member-owned retailer.

Work is ongoing looking at the integrity of the voting process for Nisa’s 2012, 2013 and 2014 annual general meetings, he added. Members will be informed of the outcome once votes have been verified.

Nisa supplies 2,500 independent stores across the UK.