Debbie White is stepping down as chairwoman of the Co-op Group, marking the latest high-profile departure from the UK retail and funeral giant.

The move adds to a growing series of leadership changes at the company, which operates more than 2,300 food stores and 800 funeral homes nationwide.

The business confirmed on Monday that Ms White would vacate her role, having originally joined the board of directors in 2023 before being appointed chairwoman a year later.

Moni Mannings, currently a senior independent director at the Co-op, will step into the role of interim chairwoman.

Ms White’s period in charge coincided with a turbulent phase for the retailer, which faced severe disruption following a major cyber attack last year.

Earlier in the year, the Co-op defended its corporate workplace enviroment after reports emerged that senior management had complained of a "toxic culture”.

The business is also pressing ahead with plans to cut £200 million in costs this year to offset rising overheads and protect its long-term financial stability.

Her departure occurs amid a broader reshuffle across the group's leadership team, following the exit of chief executive Shirine Khoury-Haq in March.

She was succeeded by interim boss Kate Allum, who continues to lead the business.

In addition, Co-op group managing director Matt Hood stepped down from the company earlier this summer.

Ms White highlighted recent progress across the organisation and confirmed that the search for a permanent successor is under way.

She said: "It has been a privilege to serve as chair of our Co-op during a period which has brought both opportunity and challenge for our businesses.

"Despite a variety of headwinds facing our businesses, and the impact of last year’s malicious cyber-attack, it is clear that the actions that we have taken are having a positive impact and will ensure we have the strong foundations to deliver on our vision and strategy.

"As our position strengthens, and with the process to appoint a permanent group chief executive under way, I feel that it is the right time to step down as chair as I near the end of my first term on the board, as I am not in a position to commit to a further three-year term as chair at this time."