Why it matters: The member-owned co-operative society, which operates over 200 branches across five counties, is the region's largest independent retailer. The leadership change, which takes effect from 1 January 2026, follows current President Joy Burnford stepping down to pursue a new opportunity.
The details: Mandy, who has served as Vice-President for the past year, previously worked at the East of England Co-op for 14 years, rising through managerial roles to become Head of Marketing. She left in 2012 to launch DJV Boutique in Cox Lane, offering what she describes as "daring, jazzy and versatile" fashion. She has been recognised as one of the UK's top 100 female entrepreneurs and won FSB Self-Employed/Freelancer of the Year for the East of England in 2023.
She returned to the Co-op as a Non-Executive Director in 2019.
What they're saying: "It's a genuine honour to be taking on this role," Mandy said. "I'm deeply committed to strengthening our relationships with our members, supporting the communities we serve, and building on everything that makes the East of England Co-op such a valued and distinctive part of local life."
John Cook will step into Mandy's former role as Vice-President, continuing a family connection to the co-operative movement that stretches back four generations to his great-grandfather, who worked as a baker with the Norwich Co-op.
John, who has served as councillor for Alexandra ward since 2013, is currently Executive member for Communities and Sport at Ipswich Borough Council and chairs the Ipswich Community Safety Partnership. He was Mayor of Ipswich in 2022/23 and served as a Director of the Society from 2012 to 2024 before returning to the Board in 2025.
"I'm delighted to become Vice-President and to continue serving a Society that has played such a big part in my family's history and in our local communities," John said.
The Society also thanked outgoing President Joy Burnford for her leadership. Joy said: “It has been an enormous privilege to serve as President and to work alongside so many inspiring colleagues and members."
The bottom line: The appointments take effect from 1 January 2026, combining Mandy's retail and marketing expertise with John's four-generation co-operative heritage and civic leadership to steer member priorities and community investment across the Society's 200-branch network.
