Unitas chief executive John Kinney is to step down from the role to become chairman, with chief operating officer David Cooke succeeding him from 1 January 2027. Current chairman Dr Jason Wouhra OBE’s three-year term of office ends at the same time.
Planned succession process
The leadership changes, announced at the Unitas conference in Istanbul at the weekend, are part of a planned succession process designed to ensure continuity while positioning Unitas for the next stage of its development.
Kinney, who has led the organisation for nearly six years, was previously sales and marketing director, having originally joined Today’s Group as retail director in 2012, before its merger with Landmark Wholesale to form Unitas Wholesale.
Kinney’s reflections
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.
“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.
“I would also like to thank Jason for the contribution he has made during his three years as chairman and for the support, guidance and challenge he has provided to me, the board and the wider organisation.
“I am looking forward to continuing to support Unitas in my new role as chairman and to working closely with David as we build on the progress we have made and continue to strengthen the organisation for the future.”
Outgoing chairman’s comments
Dr Jason Wouhra OBE said: “It has been a real privilege to serve as chairman of Unitas and I have thoroughly enjoyed the role over the past three years. I am proud of the progress the organisation has made during that time and of the way the board, leadership team and wider business have continued to strengthen Unitas on behalf of its members.
“Good succession planning is an important part of strong governance, and I believe these changes provide both continuity and a clear path for the next stage of Unitas’ development.
“I would like to thank John for the leadership, commitment and energy he has brought to Unitas during his time as chief executive. He has made a significant contribution to the organisation, and I am pleased he has agreed to take on the role of Chairman so that Unitas can continue to benefit from his experience and knowledge.
“The Unitas Board is confident that David is the right person to take the organisation forward as chief executive. He has made a strong impact since joining the business, and I wish both David and John every success in their new roles.”
Incoming chief executive’s statement
Cooke said: “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.”
