Skitt has 20 years UK and international experience in HR, encompassing both the fast moving consumer goods sector with Unilever and financial services with Barclays.
Skitt studied management sciences at University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology before spending 16 years with Unilever, rising to the position of Vice President Human Resources for the Global Foods Category, a €21billion turnover division operating in over 60 countries and incorporating some of Unilever's biggest brands including Lipton and Knorr.
Skitt joined Barclays in 2008 as HR director for Barclaycard before leading HR in the Global Retail and Business Banking Division in 2009.
As a member of the executive team at The Co-operative, Skitt has HR responsibility for 100,000 employees operating in 25 countries and serving 50 million customers.
Peter Marks, group chief executive of The Co-operative Group, said: "I'm delighted Rebecca is joining us. She has a great track record in transforming organisational culture, capability and performance and I wish her every success in her new role."
Skitt will join the business on Monday 11 March.
