ACS has appointed Ed Woodall as its new CEO.
He will take up the post from 1 March 2026, succeeding James Lowman, who announced his departure in September 2025 after 19 years in the role.
Woodall joined ACS in 2009 as public affairs assistant, working his way up through the organisation before being promoted to lead ACS’ policy work and political engagement.
He served as head of government relations from 2014 and became government relations director in 2020.
“We are delighted to have made this appointment,” said ACS chairman Phil Ponsonby. “Ed has senior experience, exceptional campaigning and engagement skills, understanding of the convenience industry, and excellent relationships with retailers, government, other organisations and suppliers.
“He has a clear vision which chimes with the ACS board: to make ACS the most effective voice, inclusive community and valuable resource possible. There is unanimous and enthusiastic support for Ed’s appointment, and we are excited to work with him as he leads the organisation into the future.”
Woodall said: “ACS is a powerful voice for the convenience industry and sits at the heart of a positive, future-thinking and passionate community of retailers and other businesspeople. I want to build on our past and lead these people and businesses into an exciting future where we can engage more people and achieve even greater influence over key policy issues on our members’ behalf. I am looking forward to continuing to work with the highly professional and effective team at ACS.”
Lowman said: “The board has run an excellent and rigorous process, and I am delighted that its conclusion has been to appoint an outstanding leader in Ed. He has been a key part of ACS’ work for the past 16 years and is perfectly equipped to take the organisation on to the next level, supported by a superb team and board.”
Woodall’s appointment followed an open and rigorous search process that attracted a “large number of highly skilled and experienced leaders”, and was unanimously endorsed by the board, Ponsonby added.
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