Richard John Pennycook (born February 1964) was chief executive officer of the Co-operative Group.Pennycook took the position as CEO in 2014 after being named Chief Financial Officer in 2013.In 2013, he became Chairman of The Hut Group, an online retailer in North-West England with multiple brands.In 2016, he received The Clarity Retail Leader of the Year award.In February 2017, Co-op announced that Richard Pennycook was stepping down as CEO of The Co-operative Group after three years at the helm, with Steve Murrells (previously CEO of Co-op Food division) taking charge.