The Co-operative Food has announced it has appointed Rob Tindale as its regional acquisitions manager for the North London area.

Rob Tindale was previously the acquisitions manager for Budgens and had also worked with the commercial property consultants Rapleys in its retail agency department.

In his new role, Tindale’s 12 years’ experience in the property sector will be used to identify and acquire new sites for food stores as well as look out for opportunities for store relocations.

The director of portfolio and development at Co-operative Food, Stuart Hookins said: “We have identified London and the South East as priority areas for new store acquisitions, with plans to open 50 stores in and around the capital by the end of the year. Rob brings a huge amount of experience within the retail property sector, particularly in North London, and he will be integral to growing the food business in this region.”

The Co-operative has also announced its plans to open over 100 new stores in 2014 in most high streets and local community locations.