Mace chief executive Mike Bowen is the new chairman of the Association of Convenience Stores. Bowen was elected at the ACS's National Council meeting held at the NEC during the Convenience Retailing Show. He takes over from Steven Bell, md of convenience chain Bells Stores, who will remain on the management board as a past chairman. Commenting on his appointment, Bowen admitted he wanted to see more young people and more women involved in the organisation. He said: "We operate in a marketplace which is largely determined by young people and lifestyles, and yet most of the business decisions are made by middle-aged men. "I would hope that during my tenure as chairman we attract more young professionals into the Association and to help us realise this aim we are again running our ACS scholarship." Also elected onto the board is Mike Greene of Conoco as vice-chairman, and Mike Sherwood of Sherwood Stores as deputy vice-chairman. Paul Hagon of Palmer Harvey McLane was re-elected honorary treasurer. Other ACS board members include Morton Middleditch, md at Spar UK; ACS chief executive Trevor Dixon; Alan Wilks of Wilks Fine Foods; Frank Heald of Day & Nite Stores, and Angus Oughtred of Jacksons Family Food stores. {{NEWS }}