Richard Pennycook CBE
Biography
Richard Pennycook was Chair of Skills England and Lead non-executive director at the Department for Education until March 2025.
He was previously Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Co-op, stepping down in 2017 to pursue a portfolio career.
He has over 30 years’ experience in retail, starting with the management buyout of Allders in the late 1980s. Over the years, he has been involved in the growth of J D Wetherspoon and the turnarounds of Laura Ashley, Welcome Break, Bulmers and Morrisons.
He is currently chairman of On the Beach plc, Two Sisters Food Group and Wolf and Badger Ltd.
Previous roles in government
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Industrial Strategy Advisory Council member
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Lead non-executive board member and non-executive board member with responsibility for the Union