HYDERABAD / LONDON — While the world of retail is getting tougher, the “exit packages” for top bosses remain as high as ever. In a move that has sparked debate across the global business community, it has been revealed that the former head of the Co-op Group, Shirine Khoury-Haq, received a total pay package of nearly £2 Million (approx. ₹21 Crore) just before her sudden departure last month.
This news comes at a sensitive time, as the famous UK mutual retailer struggles to recover from a “nightmare year” that saw sales slide and profits vanish.
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1. The £1.9 Million Payday
According to the Co-op’s latest annual report released today, Shirine Khoury-Haq’s total compensation for 2025 amounted to £1.9 Million.
- The Breakdown: While her pay was down from £2.2m the previous year, it still included a controversial £165,000 “Rewarding Growth” bonus.
- The Irony: This bonus was approved by the board even though the company failed to meet its official financial targets for the year.
2. A “Difficult Year”: Cyber-Hacks and Losses
The high payout has raised eyebrows because 2025 was a “dark year” for the Co-op:
- Underlying Loss: The group dived into an underlying loss of £125 Million.
- The Cyber Attack: A malicious cyber-hack earlier in the year crippled the company’s IT systems, leading to empty shelves and a massive £285 Million hit to sales.
- The Staff Contrast: While the CEO took home nearly £2m, frontline shop workers who worked through the crisis received just £100 each under the same “growth” scheme.
3. Why Did She Leave?
Shirine Khoury-Haq stepped down on March 29, 2026, after four years at the helm.
- The Controversy: Her exit followed reports of a “toxic culture” at the top of the organization.
- Her Response: Khoury-Haq has denied these claims, stating her departure was a “personal decision” because she wanted to pursue other opportunities.
- The Successor: A board member and former dairy industry boss, Kate Allum, has stepped in as the interim CEO.
📊 Co-op 2025: By The Numbers
| Category | Figure | Impact |
| CEO Total Pay | £1.9 Million | Down from £2.2m in 2024. |
| Group Loss | £125 Million | Down from a £45m profit. |
| Sales Hit | £285 Million | Caused by “malicious” cyber-attack. |
| Worker Bonus | £100 | Given to full-time frontline staff. |
Final Take
The classic ‘Corporate vs. Common Man’ story. When a company loses £125 million but the boss still gets a £1.9 million ‘thank you’ note, people are going to talk. For my readers in Hyderabad and the UK, this shows that even in a ‘difficult year,’ the top seat is always gold. As we plan our 10-year brand growth, let’s remember: Real power comes from keeping your team happy, not just the board!“
Editorial Note:
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