Unitas chief exec to move into chairman role
WHOLSALER group Unitas Wholesale has announced that its chief executive John Kinney is set to step down from his role come the new year.
Taking effect from 1 January 2027, Kinney will move into the role as chairman of the organisation with current chief operating officer David Cooke set to move into the role of chief executive. Current chairman Dr Jason Wouhra’s three-year term of chairman is also set to conclude at the same time.
Kinney said: “I am extremely proud of what we have achieved at Unitas over the past six years. 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.”
The leadership changes were announced as part of the Unitas Conference in Istanbul on Saturday 26 September and make up part of a planned succession process at the firm that helps to ensure continuity for Unitas members.
Kinney has led the organisation for nearly six years, having previously held the title of sales and marketing director at the firm. He originally joined Today’s Group as retail director in 2012 before its merger with Landmark Wholesale to form Unitas Wholesale.
Speaking on David Cooke’s appointment, Kinney said: “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 added: “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.
“Unitas has a strong and diverse membership, including some of the very best independent wholesalers in the UK, supported by a talented and committed central team. Independent wholesale has a vital role to play in the UK supply chain, and Unitas has an important responsibility to help its members remain competitive, relevant and successful in a market that continues to change at pace.
“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.”
