Co-op stalwart congratulates former Chief Executive on MBE award

Monday 03 January 2022

Co-op stalwart Peter Roffey says Jim Hopley - the Society's former Chief Executive who has been awarded the MBE - is "co-operative to his core" and "universally popular".

Mr Hopley, 73, was the only Jersey resident in the New Year's Honours List. He was honoured for services to the community after years as a disability and environment campaigner.

He stepped down as Chief Executive of the Channel Islands’ Co-operative Society in 2011 and has since chaired a variety of bodies in Jersey, including Jersey Cheshire Home, Genuine Jersey and Jersey National Park.

Mr Hopley said the news that he was to receive an MBE came “as a complete surprise”. He had no idea who put his name forward. 

Pictured: Jim Hopley played a leading role in the creation of Jersey National Park. 

“His Excellency [Jersey's Lieutenant-Governor] himself rang to tell me the news, kindly saying it was not for any one cause but the breadth and depth of my community involvement,” said Mr Hopley.

“I replied that it really should be awarded to the causes that I have supported and fought for, but the Lieutenant-Governor said I should accept it.

“I’m honoured to do so, but this is very much for those causes and all the paid officials and volunteers who make them what they are and drive their success.”

Deputy Peter Roffey was a member of the Channel Islands' Co-op Board and then the Society's President when Mr Hopley was its Chief Executive. 

"I worked alongside Jim Hopley for a very long time. For many years, he was the retail manager of the local, mutual-owned business. Later, after the retirement of Alan Smith, he became its CEO. I am so delighted that he has been honoured in this way," said Deputy Roffey.

Pictured: Deputy Peter Roffey, a former President and Board member of the Channel Islands' Co-op, has congratulated the Society's former Chief Executive Jim Hopley on being awarded the MBE in the New Year's Honours List. 

"Jim is a larger than life character and universally popular. I would describe him as being co-operative to his core in all senses of the word. He is a really firm believer in the principle of mutuality and always displayed the ability to seemingly effortlessly combine very good business acumen with a deep sense of caring.

"He led the Channel Islands' Co-operative Society during some of its most successful years and set the groundwork for the further expansion which was to follow. At the same time he was completely wedded to important community issues such as social welfare and protecting the environment.

"Since his retirement from the Co-op, he has dedicated himself to charitable work and made a real difference on several fronts.

"Rarely can such recognition of long term commitment and achievement have been so richly deserved. 

"Well done, Jim - your friends and former colleagues are delighted for you."

Mr Hopley was born in Cornwall and brought up in Plymouth. He began his career with the Co-op in the UK and transferred to the Channel Islands’ Society in 1979.