Benjamin Le Huray
Benjamin Le Huray
I was born and raised in Guernsey and live in St Martin’s with my wife and our three young children. Like many island families, we rely on the Coop for everyday essentials, to help us celebrate the good times, and to be there in the more difficult moments.
That is why I care deeply about the long-term success of the Channel Islands Co-operative Society and why I am standing for re-election as a Director.
The Coop is not just another retailer. It is owned by its members and rooted in our island communities. That makes good governance especially important. Directors must ensure the Society is well run, financially strong and focused on delivering long-term value for its members.
I was honoured to be elected to the Board in 2024 with the highest number of member votes. Since then I have taken the responsibility of representing members very seriously. I see my role as ensuring that members’ interests remain at the centre of the Society’s long-term decisions.
My approach as a director is to listen carefully, think independently and contribute constructively to board discussions. Where necessary, that includes asking challenging questions to make sure decisions are well thought through and in the best long-term interests of the Society.
In my day job I am Managing Director of Little Green Energy, a Guernsey-based renewable energy business working to expand sustainable energy generation across the islands.
Before this I served as Chief Commercial and Infrastructure Officer at Guernsey Ports, where I was responsible for planning and delivering major investment across the airport and harbours.
Earlier in my career I worked internationally with Specsavers, helping to develop investment strategies across large retail networks in the UK and Europe.
Alongside my executive career I have also held governance roles in the voluntary sector, including serving as Chairman of St John (Commercial Services) where I led the board through a strategic review and the responsible wind-down of the organisation’s trading company.
These experiences have given me a strong understanding of how complex organisations operate and the importance of good governance, careful investment and constructive challenge at board level.
The years ahead will not be without challenge. Competition in food retail continues to increase, and many island households are facing real cost of living pressures. At the same time, the Society must continue to invest in its stores and services while remaining financially responsible.
For the Coop to succeed in this environment it must deliver great value for members while remaining a strong and sustainable business.
Another key priority is the people who make the Coop what it is. Every day, colleagues across the islands put on their badge and represent the Society to members and customers. Attracting, supporting and retaining these hardworking people is essential to the long-term success of the organisation.
As directors we must also ensure the right balance is struck between financial prudence and investing in the future of the Society – whether that is improving stores, strengthening services or responding to changing customer needs.
If re-elected, I will focus on three priorities:
1. Strong governance and financial resilience: Ensuring the Society remains financially sustainable so it can continue to invest in its stores, services and people.
2. A clear and realistic long-term strategy: Supporting plans that respond to the changing retail environment while positioning the Society for future success.
3. Protecting what makes the Coop different: Ensuring the Society continues to live its co-operative values and serve its members and communities.
Serving on the Board is both a privilege and a responsibility. If re-elected, I will continue to approach the role with independence, care and a genuine commitment to the long-term success of the Society and the communities it serves.
Thank you for considering my candidacy.
Proposer – Lindsay de Sausmarez
Seconder – Chris Ash
