Ahead of next month’s elections, the CI Coop introduces the Islanders hoping to be elected to the society’s board
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THE Channel Islands Co‑operative Society has always been something of a phenomenon in Island life. It is a business owned not by distant shareholders, but by the very people who shop in its stores. And this year, a record number of candidates has stepped forward to help shape its future.
Two seats are available in 2026, one in Jersey and one in Guernsey, and local members will get to decide who represents them at the annual members’ meetings in May.
Mark Cox, chief executive of CI Coop, says this year’s interest reflects something special about the business model.
“The Coop is unique because it belongs to its customers,” he said. “When members vote, they’re helping steer the direction of their own business. That level of community influence is something most retailers can’t offer.”
Kevin Kelly, chief governance officer at CI Coop, adds: “Serving on the board is a real opportunity to protect and strengthen a model that reinvests in the islands, prioritises fairness and puts members first. The more people who vote, the stronger the democratic pulse of the society becomes.”
Here, we introduce the candidates standing for the Jersey seat.
Julie Ann Acey
Proposer – Jenna Johnson Rayner
Seconder – Rita Parmar
Julie Ann Acey brings a compelling blend of strategic leadership, financial expertise and deep community commitment to her candidacy for CI Coop’s board. With nearly two decades of experience across finance, retail, transport and public service, Julie Ann has led major transformation programmes, shaped customer‑centred service models and helped steer complex organisations through change. She believes strongly that CI Coop’s purpose aligns with her own values and leadership style.
Holding a chartered director diploma, being a fellow of CIMA and having graduated with a first-class honours degree in accounting, Julie Ann offers robust governance capability and financial acumen. Her experience leading strategy at RBS International and improving customer experience at Ports of Jersey gives her an in‑depth understanding of regulated, people‑led sectors. She is known for her inclusive leadership approach, championing employee engagement and gender representation in traditionally male‑dominated industries.
Beyond her professional roles, Julie Ann has a long record of community service, including chairing the Highlands College Governing Board, mentoring young people in STEM fields and supporting charities for over 30 years. As a working parent, she understands the pressures Islanders face and says this fuels her commitment to helping CI Coop remain accessible, community‑driven and financially strong.
Mark Bradbury
Proposer – Michael Nelson de la Haye
Seconder – Dr Geoffrey Hamilton
Mark Bradbury is a senior executive and consultant with extensive experience in financial services, strategic transformation and governance, expertise he believes will add real value to CI Coop’s board. His career spans senior leadership roles in banking, asset management, fiduciary services and the public sector, giving him a strong understanding of how large, complex organisations make decisions, manage risk and respond to change.
Mark specialises in supporting boards and executives through major organisational challenges, including restructuring, regulatory reporting and risk oversight. He is experienced at providing challenge and scrutiny in boardroom settings and has worked with a wide range of ownership structures, from private-equity‑backed
organisations to public institutions.
Alongside his professional work, Mark has dedicated time to community service, serving as a retained firefighter and lifeboat crew member, and more recently supporting youth rugby as a coach. He currently sits on the Committee of Management for the Public Employees Pension Fund and is an independent commissioner of appeal for Revenue Jersey – roles that deepen his understanding of governance, public accountability and long‑term financial stewardship.
Mark says he is passionate about supporting local producers, improving food security and championing high‑quality island-grown produce. If elected, he hopes to contribute to a CI Coop that remains sustainable, member‑focused and firmly rooted in community value.
Antonia Burgess
Proposer – Marcia Taylor
Seconder – Aine Hynes Slater
Antonia is an independent non-executive director with over 30 years’ experience in business, law and investment management. She has acted as a director of Jersey companies for more than 20 years. For the past three years, Antonia has also been a director and trustee, as well as chair of the fundraising committee of Jersey charity Brighter Futures. She cares deeply about community, fairness and social responsibility.
Antonia has extensive experience in strategic business management, real estate, corporate governance, risk oversight, employee remuneration and board reporting and accountability.
As well as having considerable board experience, Antonia has a particular interest in matters relating to employee relations and fair remuneration. She believes strongly in fostering engagement, transparency and driving organisational performance.
Antonia is committed to contributing to good governance, strategic oversight and strong financial management. She has significant experience in reporting to business stakeholders and investors and is very knowledgeable regarding Jersey company law and regulation.
Antonia is currently the senior independent director of a FTSE-listed Jersey company and is chair of both its risk committee and remuneration committee. Antonia also chairs the group remuneration committee for a London-based asset manager.
Previously, Antonia held senior management roles at Mourant in Jersey and was a practising lawyer at Hogan Lovells in London. She holds a degree in law from University College London and is a member of the Institute of Directors.
Jennifer Ekedahl
Proposer – Maureen Gowans
Seconder – Gillian Bell
With more than two decades of experience in governance, financial control and strategic leadership within the local finance industry, Jennifer Ekedahl offers a seasoned perspective for CI Coop’s board. Having served on numerous boards and worked extensively in compliance and business development, she understands how strong governance and thoughtful strategy underpin an organisation’s long‑term success.
Jennifer has been a Coop member since 2003 and describes herself as both a committed customer and an advocate for the society’s values. As a working parent, she recalls how valuable services like the Tot Stop were when her daughter was young, giving her a personal appreciation of CI Coop’s community role.
She says this connection, as both consumer and member, allows her to represent the everyday priorities of island families.
A strong supporter of sustainability, local produce and inclusive employment, Jennifer believes CI Coop’s principles remain essential in an era of rising living costs and changing customer expectations. Although her career has not been in retail, she sees this as a strength: she brings the perspective of the member‑owner, grounded in good governance and independent thinking.
If elected, Jennifer says she will work to ensure CI Coop remains financially responsible, community-focused and aligned with the needs of the members it serves.
Adrian Galvin
Proposer – Matthew Barnes
Seconder – Jane Mason
Adrian Galvin is standing for election because he believes strongly in CI Coop’s core principles – fairness, community benefit and the long‑term stewardship of member value. With a professional background in accounting, finance and governance, Adrian brings experience that he believes will support the board’s responsibility to ensure the society remains resilient, sustainable and future‑focused.
His career includes senior roles involving budgeting, risk management, audit oversight and strategic financial planning. Adrian has also served as a director in other organisations, contributing to governance, strategy and long‑term development. He describes his boardroom style as collaborative and constructive, with a focus on shared purpose and practical outcomes.
Adrian says he sees CI Coop as far more than a retailer: it is a significant employer, a champion of ethical practices and an essential part of island life. If elected, he plans to prioritise strong financial foundations, transparent governance and innovation that supports sustainable growth. He also wants to ensure the society continues investing in its people, strengthening member value and supporting community initiatives.
He says it would be an honour to help guide a member‑owned organisation that places people and community at the centre of its decisions.
Scott Hollywood
Proposer – Lee Cornick
Seconder – Steve Carpentier
As general manager of the Merton Hotel, Scott Hollywood leads one of Jersey’s largest hospitality operations, giving him experience he believes is directly relevant to CI Coop’s people‑centred business. His career has centred on managing large teams, overseeing complex budgets and ensuring high-quality service in a competitive, customer‑focused environment. Scott describes himself as pragmatic, community‑minded and committed to making decisions that balance financial responsibility with social value.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Scott contributes actively to island life through roles on the Parish Rate Appeal Board and the Jersey Tribunal Service, both of which require fairness, impartiality and careful consideration of residents’ concerns. These experiences, he says, have strengthened his appreciation for due process, transparency and constructive debate.
As a parent raising children in the Island, Scott is acutely aware of the rising cost of living and the pressures facing families. He sees CI Coop as an essential community resource and believes its member‑owned structure is vital to keeping local needs and affordability at the forefront of decision‑making.
Scott hopes to bring a grounded, practical voice to the board – one shaped by real community involvement and hands‑on leadership.
Lewis Omilo
Proposer – Oladunjoye Olaleye
Seconder – Deborah Afolami
Lewis Omilo is standing for election because he believes deeply in CI Coop’s commitment to democratic participation, fairness and community benefit – principles he has experienced personally since moving to Jersey. He describes the society as a trusted part of daily life for his family and many others, offering everything from everyday shopping to fuel, pharmacy services and mobile contracts.
Lewis has a professional background in governance, financial oversight and regulatory advisory, currently working as a compliance adviser within the financial services sector. A chartered management accountant, he brings strong financial literacy, risk awareness and experience advising senior leaders on regulation and strategy. He believes this expertise would allow him to contribute meaningfully to board oversight, long‑term planning and responsible stewardship of resources.
A strong advocate for community investment, Lewis is particularly motivated by CI Coop’s role in helping local people thrive. He has personally benefited from community support in earlier stages of his education, which he says instilled a lifelong commitment to giving back.
If elected, Lewis aims to focus on strong governance, financial sustainability and initiatives that strengthen member value, local partnerships and environmental responsibility. He promises an independent voice rooted in collaboration, integrity and thoughtful decision‑making.
Christopher Peach
Proposer – Grainne Mcareavey
Seconder – Jennifer Carnegie
For Christopher Peach, CI Coop represents something fundamental – fairness, respect and access to good-quality, affordable essentials for everyone. A hotel general manager with extensive experience in customer service, budget oversight and operational leadership, Christopher has spent his career creating environments where people feel welcome and supported. He hopes to bring that ethos to CI Coop’s board.
Christopher believes the society’s member‑owned structure is a powerful safeguard against rising costs and corporate pressures.
He says his experience negotiating with suppliers, managing tight budgets and maintaining high service standards gives him practical insight into balancing value with quality. His leadership style is rooted in listening carefully, engaging openly and making decisions that prioritise the community’s wellbeing.
If elected, Christopher would focus on keeping prices fair, strengthening service standards and ensuring transparency in how CI Coop operates. He believes the society’s strength lies in its members and that the board must always reflect their needs, challenges and aspirations.
He describes his candidacy simply: “Our Coop is strongest when we look after each other.”
Emelita Robbins
Proposer – David Chambers
Seconder – Maureen Neighbour
Emelita Robbins brings a wealth of leadership experience from business, law and the charity sector – all rooted in a commitment to community, fairness and strong governance. Best known for her time as chief executive of Jersey Hospice Care, Emelita led major advances in community-based end‑of‑life care, secured long‑term funding agreements with government, and oversaw the expansion of services to children with chronic health conditions. Her governance was recognised with an IoD Director of the Year Award.
Emelita also chaired Jersey’s Citizens’ Assembly on Climate Change, championing community engagement and evidence-led policy development. Earlier in her career, she worked in commercial litigation in London and Jersey, gaining deep insight into complex decision-making, conflict resolution and organisational integrity.
Now a business adviser, Emelita supports organisations in strengthening strategy, governance and long-term sustainability. She says these skills closely align with the needs of CI Coop, particularly as it expands initiatives such as member prices, sustainability programmes and Coop Mobile.
If elected, Emelita would focus on financial strength, social responsibility and long‑term planning.
She wants CI Coop to remain a trusted, values‑driven organisation that members are proud to own.
Michelle Ryan
Proposer – Sabrina Sherry
Seconder – Kim Saunders
Michelle Ryan is an experienced director with a strong focus on sustainability, public health and responsible business, qualities she believes are essential to the future of CI Coop.
Her professional background spans leadership roles in health-focused organisations and purpose‑driven businesses, where she has championed stakeholder wellbeing, ethical practice and long-term strategic thinking.
A mother of two young boys, Michelle speaks candidly about the pressures families face, especially around the cost of living and access to healthy, locally produced food.
She believes CI Coop plays a vital role in supporting islanders through affordable pricing, accessible stores and community-led initiatives.
Michelle is passionate about ensuring that sustainability remains at the heart of the Society’s strategy, from supporting local growers to reducing environmental impact across the supply chain. She also wants to see inclusion embedded throughout the organisation, not only in employment but in product ranges, pricing models and community partnerships.
If elected, Michelle hopes to contribute strong governance, practical experience and a genuine commitment to social responsibility.
She says she would be proud to help CI Coop continue evolving as a community-owned organisation that delivers value for members today, and a healthier island for future generations.
How to vote
Members can vote either online through the Member Portal or in person at the AMM.
The Jersey AMM will take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Wednesday 20 May 2026 at 6.30pm. Registration will open at 5.30pm.
To vote online or learn more about attending, please visit channelislands.coop/directorelections2026.
