MasterCard interim head of marketing, Gill Barr has been appointed as group marketing director of The Co-operative group.

Barr will join the group at the end of January once she finished at MasterCard, having previously held senior posts at John Lewis, Superdrug, KPMH, Athena and Wickes, to take up the role vacated by Patrick Allen last year.

Peter Marks, chief executive of the Co-operative Group, said:  "Over the past few years, we have seen a complete rejuvenation of the Co-operative brand, which has resulted in a doubling of sales, profits and membership.  The business now has a significant opportunity to show customers the benefits to them of shopping at all Co-operative businesses.

"I am sure that with her tremendous breadth of experience, Gill Barr will make a significant contribution to the Co-operative Group's development over the next few years and I am delighted she is joining us at this exciting time for the business."

 Gill Barr added:  "The Co-operative's recent rejuvenation has established great foundations for the future and I'm looking forward to using my retail and financial services experience to help drive the Group forward.

"The Co-operative has an unrivalled reputation as an ethical business and is excellently placed to respond to consumers' desire to trade with enterprises which share their values and principles."