Patrick Allen, marketing director of UK retailer The Co-operative Group, has decided to leave the company to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Allen, who has been with the company for six years, said: “I’m now looking to utilise the experience I’ve gained over that time and before joining the group in a senior commercial management role.”

Co-op chief executive Peter Marks said the Co-op brand had never been “stronger, or more relevant” and he would be considering “the best way in which this marketing momentum can be maintained going forwards”.

The operator of food, bank, travel, pharmacy, legal and funeral services merged its buying and marketing teams in January this year, making some of its marketing roles redundant.